HVAC Technician
Air Con, Refrigeration & Jobs
The complete guide to becoming a "Fridgie" in Australia. Apprenticeships, ARCtick licensing, salaries, and FIFO opportunities.
Overview
HVAC (Heating, Ventilation & Air Conditioning) Technicians install, maintain, and repair climate control systems. Driven by Australia's hot climate and expanding construction sector, this is one of the fastest-growing trades in the country.
Climate Driven
Rising temperatures and new housing builds are driving massive demand.
Versatile Trade
Work alongside electricians and builders in residential or industrial settings.
Industrial Growth
Huge opportunities in mining camps, cold storage, and food logistics.
What Does an HVAC Tech Do?
From installing split systems in homes to maintaining massive industrial freezers, the work is diverse:
- Installing split system & ducted air conditioners
- Repairing commercial and residential A/C systems
- Maintaining refrigeration units (cold rooms, freezers)
- Diagnosing faults in compressors, coils, motors, and fans
- Brazing, pipework, and refrigerant handling
- Installing ventilation and extraction systems
- Reading wiring diagrams & system schematics
- Performing scheduled preventative maintenance
Work Environments
HVAC Salary in Australia (2025)
Salaries are strong, particularly for those with dual trades or industrial experience.
| Experience Level | Salary / Rate Range |
|---|---|
| Apprentice (1st–4th year) | $16 – $28 / hr |
| Newly Qualified | $65,000 – $85,000 |
| Experienced HVAC Tech | $80,000 – $120,000 |
| Refrigeration Mechanic (Dual Trade) | $90,000 – $140,000 |
| FIFO / Industrial | $130,000 – $180,000+ |
Apprenticeship Pathway
The industry standard is the Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration (UEE32220). It is a 4-year apprenticeship combining work and TAFE.
Find Employer
Secure an employer to take you on as an apprentice. Year 10 math is required.
Train & Study
Learn electrical foundations, brazing, and gas handling at TAFE (UEE32220).
Assessments
Pass your capstone assessments and prove competency in fault finding.
Get Licensed
Apply for your ARCtick Licence—mandatory for handling refrigerant gas.
Looking for an Apprenticeship?
Use our free tool to search for HVAC apprentice positions by state.
Launch Apprenticeship Finder ToolLicensing & Requirements
Unlike some trades, HVAC has a strict national licensing scheme for gas handling.
ARCtick Licence
Issued by the Australian Refrigeration Council (ARC). You cannot legally buy or handle refrigerant gas (R32, R410A) without this.
Read more about ARC →-
White Card Mandatory for all construction work.
-
Restricted Electrical Licence Usually included in the Cert III apprenticeship.
-
Working at Heights Essential for roof installations.
Key Courses (TAFE)
UEE32220 – Cert III in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
This is the core trade qualification available at major TAFEs.
Available at:
Where are the jobs?
Queensland
Hot climate + new home builds driving huge demand.
NSW / VIC
Commercial towers, shopping centres & hospitals.
Logistics
Cold storage for supermarkets and food transport.
Mining (WA/NT)
Camp accommodation and industrial cooling.
FIFO HVAC Technician
Keeping the mines cool.
Mines cannot operate without cooling for accommodation camps, server rooms, and heavy machinery. FIFO HVAC roles are critical and pay between $130,000 – $180,000+.
FIFO Checklist
- Cert III Air Con & Ref
- ARCtick Licence
- Working at Heights
- EWP Licence
- Experience with Split Systems
Is it worth it?
The Good
- High demand nationally
- Great pathway to self-employment
- Growing field due to climate change
- Strong pay in commercial sectors
The Challenges
- Physically demanding (roofs/ceilings)
- Exposure to extreme heat & cold
- Strict licensing regulations
- Complex fault finding involved
Frequently Asked Questions
Is HVAC a good trade in Australia?
Yes, it is one of the fastest-growing trades. As summers get hotter and housing density increases, the demand for air conditioning installation and repair is skyrocketing.
Do HVAC technicians need a licence?
Yes. The ARCtick Refrigerant Handling Licence is mandatory by law for anyone buying or handling refrigerant gases.
Is FIFO work available?
Yes. Mines need technicians to maintain camp air conditioning (often hundreds of units) and critical industrial cooling systems. It pays very well.
How long is the apprenticeship?
Typically 4 years. You will complete the UEE32220 Certificate III in Air Conditioning and Refrigeration.