Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanic
Install, service and repair air conditioning and refrigeration systems across homes, businesses and industry.
What They Do
Air Conditioning & Refrigeration Mechanics install, diagnose, maintain and repair systems used to control temperature and preserve food and other products.
They work with compressors, motors, condensers, evaporators, refrigerant lines and control systems. Their work can include installing new systems, testing for leaks, diagnosing faults, replacing components and ensuring equipment operates safely and efficiently. Jobs and Skills Australia
They may work on domestic split systems, supermarket refrigeration, commercial buildings, cold-storage facilities and large industrial systems.
Who This Career Suits
This career suits people who enjoy hands-on technical work and figuring out why equipment isn't working properly.
It combines mechanical skills with electrical knowledge and fault finding, so strong problem-solving ability and attention to detail are particularly useful.
Technicians also frequently work at customer or construction sites, so communication and reliability matter.
Key Skills
Technical Skills, Problem Solving, Mechanical Skills, Electrical Skills, Attention to Detail, Safety Awareness, Practical Skills, Diagnostics
Work Environment
Construction Site, Indoor, Outdoor, Industrial, Physical
Education & Training
The main Australian trade qualification is the current UEE32225 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.
It covers installing, commissioning, testing, fault finding, repairing and maintaining refrigeration and air-conditioning systems. The qualification also incorporates requirements associated with handling refrigerants. Training.gov.au
Training normally forms part of an apprenticeship or another approved employment and training arrangement. Licensing and refrigerant-handling requirements also apply.
Career Changer Pathway
This trade can suit people coming from electrical work, mechanical maintenance, construction, appliance servicing, automotive work or other hands-on occupations.
Someone starting without previous trade experience would usually enter through an apprenticeship and complete workplace training alongside the Certificate III qualification.
Early Career
Apprentices learn installation, pipework, refrigerant systems, electrical components, fault finding and workplace safety while working alongside qualified technicians.
After qualifying, technicians gradually take responsibility for servicing and repairing systems independently.
Mid Career
Experienced technicians diagnose more complex faults and may work on large commercial refrigeration, industrial systems, building air conditioning or specialised control systems.
They may also supervise apprentices and coordinate installation projects.
Senior / Veteran Career
Experienced technicians can progress into Senior Technician, Service Supervisor, Project Supervisor or Service Manager roles.
Further study can lead into advanced refrigeration systems, energy management, technical management or refrigeration and air-conditioning engineering.
Some experienced tradespeople also establish their own contracting businesses.
Salary Guide
Early Career
75000
Mid Career
105000
Senior / Veteran
135000
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Indicative annual salary (AUD)
Salary data source:
Jobs and Skills Australia / ABS
Salary data source URL:
Date :
6 October 2026 at 12:00:00 am
Career Outlook
The reason is the underlying shortage evidence. JSA's 2025 shortage analysis classified Airconditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics as having a long training gap, meaning employers need skilled workers faster than the apprenticeship/training system can readily produce them. Jobs and Skills Australia
More strikingly, JSA says employers have generally struggled to fill advertised vacancies for this occupation for nearly a quarter of a century.
Job Outlook :
Outlook Source :
Strong
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