According to the U.S. Department of Labor Bureau of Labor Statistics, HVAC mechanics and installers
held about 243,000 jobs in 2000; approximately 1/3 of these worked for cooling and heating contractors.
The remainder were employed in a variety of industries throughout the country, reflecting a widespread
dependence on climate-control systems. Some worked for fuel oil dealers, refrigeration and air-conditioning
service and repair shops, schools, and department stores that sell heating and air-conditioning systems. Local
governments, the Federal Government, hospitals, office buildings, and other organizations that operate large
air-conditioning, refrigeration, or heating systems employed others. Approximately 1 of every 5 mechanics and
installers was self-employed.

Job prospects for highly skilled heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are
expected to be very good, particularly for those with technical school or formal apprenticeship training to
install, remodel, and service new and existing systems. In addition to job openings created by employment
growth, thousands of openings will result from the need to replace workers who transfer to other occupations
or leave the labor force.

Employment of heating, air-conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is expected to increase
faster than the average for all occupations through the year 2010.