United States: HVACR labour shortage despite growing demand

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, 425,200 mechanics and installers were employed in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration sector in the US in 2024 ^[1].  In 2023, the workforce stood at 441,200, suggesting a decrease of about 4% in the number of technicians and installers.

 

Surprisingly, the refrigeration sector offers a huge potential for employment growth with the employment of mechanics and installers in heating, refrigeration, and air conditioning projected to grow by 8% from 2024 to 2034 ^[1].

 

Over the decade, about 40,100 technicians are needed annually to replace workers who retire or transfer to different occupations.

 

Making the refrigeration sector more attractive to young people and career changers is essential. According to the IIR ^[2], this could be achieved through a combination of targeted initiatives, such as:

• Expanding vocational training and apprenticeship programmes specifically focused on refrigeration and heat pump technologies to equip workers with the necessary skills.
• Highlighting the sector’s critical role in combating climate change and advancing sustainability, which can inspire young generations to pursue meaningful careers in refrigeration.
• Partnering with schools, colleges, and universities to integrate refrigeration-related skills and knowledge into curricula, ensuring a steady pipeline of talent

 

 

Sources

[1] Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers https://www.bls.gov/ooh/installation-maintenance-and-repair/heating-air-conditioning-and-refrigeration-mechanics-and-installers.htm  (visited 12 June 2026).

[2] IIR (2025). The Role of Refrigeration in the Global Economy 3rd edition, 60th IIR Technical Brief on Refrigeration Technologies. International Institute of Refrigeration (IIR), Paris. http://dx.doi.org/10.18462/iir.TechBrief.04.2025