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To Become a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (Air conditioning and refrigeration systems) in Ontario: Salary, Training, and Career Outlook.

by Occupations.ca Team
12 min read

Have you ever wondered who keeps Ontario’s Grocery stores cold, hospitals comfortable, data centres stable, and summer heat waves bearable? If you enjoy problem-solving, working with your hands, and being out in the field, a career as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (Ontario trade code 313A) could be a strong fit for you. In this Ontario-only guide, you’ll learn exactly what the job involves, how to train, where to study, what you can earn, and how to get licensed to work legally in the province.

Job Description

As a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) in Ontario, you install, maintain, and service heating, Ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems (HVAC/R) in residential, commercial, and industrial settings. This includes everything from rooftop units (RTUs) and chillers to heat pumps, walk-in coolers, ice machines, VRF/VRV systems, and supermarket refrigeration.

This is a compulsory trade in Ontario. That means you must be a registered apprentice, a journeyperson candidate, or hold a Certificate of Qualification (C of Q) to legally practice. The trade is regulated by Skilled Trades Ontario (STO). Many technicians also carry additional certifications such as the Ozone Depletion Prevention (ODP) card to handle refrigerants and a Gas Technician (G2) license from the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA) to work on natural gas-fired equipment.

Daily work activities

Your day can vary a lot depending on the industry and season. You might:

  • Start at a shop to load parts and check work orders, then head to job sites across your service area.
  • Diagnose equipment that’s not cooling or heating properly using multimeters, pressure gauges, leak detectors, and digital tools.
  • Perform preventive Maintenance: replace filters and belts, check refrigerant levels, verify Electrical connections, test safety Controls, and measure system performance.
  • Install and commission new equipment: run refrigerant piping, braze joints while purging with nitrogen, evacuate systems with a vacuum pump, charge with the correct refrigerant, and set up controls.
  • Work with building Automation systems (BAS), thermostats, VFDs, and sensors to optimize performance.
  • Keep detailed service notes and communicate with clients about findings, options, and costs.
  • Follow strict safety procedures when handling refrigerants (recovery and recycling), working at heights, or lifting Heavy Equipment.

Main tasks

  • Troubleshoot and Repair refrigeration and A/C systems, including compressors, condensers, evaporators, expansion devices, and controls.
  • Install equipment and associated refrigerant lines, ducting (in some roles), condensate drainage, and electrical/control connections.
  • Conduct leak testing, evacuation, and charging of systems according to manufacturer specs and Ontario regulations.
  • Read and interpret mechanical drawings, wiring diagrams, and equipment manuals.
  • Use torches for brazing/soldering, and follow best practices for nitrogen purging to protect components.
  • Perform electrical diagnostics on contactors, relays, capacitors, sensors, motors, and boards.
  • Verify code Compliance (Ontario Building Code, electrical safety requirements, TSSA fuel safety rules where applicable).
  • Complete maintenance logs, service reports, and digital records.
  • Communicate clearly with clients, supervisors, and teammates.
  • Follow health and safety standards: WHMIS, Working at Heights, lockout/tagout, PPE, and environmental handling of refrigerants.
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Required Education

The most common pathway in Ontario is an apprenticeship leading to your 313A Certificate of Qualification (with the option to earn the Red Seal Endorsement). Many people start with a college program to build fundamentals and become more attractive to employers willing to sponsor their apprenticeship.

Diplomas (Certificate, College Diploma, Bachelor’s Degree)

  • Certificate (1 year):
    • Examples: HVAC Techniques or Pre-Apprenticeship programs. These focus on core safety, tools, and basic HVAC/R principles. A certificate can help you secure an apprenticeship.
  • College Diploma (2 years):
    • Examples: Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Technician. Strong hands-on labs and theory in refrigeration cycles, electrical, controls, and installation practices.
  • Advanced Diploma (3 years) / Technology options:
    • Some colleges offer advanced programs with deeper System Design, load calculations, and controls.
  • Bachelor’s Degree (optional for advancement):

Additional credentials you will likely need:

Length of studies

  • Apprenticeship (typical): About 4–5 years total.
    • Approximately 9,000 hours of paid on-the-job training.
    • About 720 hours of in-class training split into three levels (Basic, Intermediate, Advanced), often 8–10 weeks per level.
    • After completing both on-the-job and in-school requirements, you write the Certificate of Qualification exam through Skilled Trades Ontario. Successful candidates may also receive the Red Seal Endorsement.
  • College programs:
    • Certificate: generally 1 year.
    • Diploma: generally 2 years.
    • Advanced diploma/technology: generally 3 years.

Key regulatory links:

Where to study? (Ontario colleges and links)

Many Ontario colleges offer HVAC/R programs and/or deliver the in-school apprenticeship levels for 313A:

Tip: Many of these colleges also host the in-school levels for registered apprentices. You can also explore Pre-Apprenticeship Training Programs sponsored by Ontario to help you secure your first employer: https://www.ontario.ca/page/pre-apprenticeship-training-program

Salary and Working Conditions

Entry-level vs experienced salary

  • Apprentices (year 1 to year 4/5): Typically start around $20–$28 per hour and progress with each apprenticeship level (some employers follow a percentage of journeyperson rate).
  • Journeypersons (C of Q/Red Seal): The median wage in Ontario for heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics is often in the mid-$30s to low-$40s per hour, with experienced technicians commonly earning $45–$55+ per hour, especially in commercial/industrial or unionized roles.
  • Overtime, shift premiums, Travel time, standby pay, and Benefits can significantly increase total compensation.
  • Reference (Ontario wages by Job Bank): https://www.jobbank.gc.ca/marketreport/wages-occupation/3653/ON
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Annualized examples (approximate, based on 2,000 hours/year and not including overtime):

  • Early apprentice: $42,000–$56,000
  • Journeyperson: $75,000–$110,000+
    Your actual earnings will vary by region (GTA, Ottawa, Southwestern/Northern Ontario), sector (residential vs commercial/industrial), union status, and specialty (e.g., supermarkets, data centres, hospitals).

Working conditions

Expect:

  • Variable schedules with seasonal peaks (heat waves and cold snaps) and possible on-call rotations.
  • Indoor and outdoor work in all weather, sometimes on rooftops or in mechanical rooms, cold storage, and tight spaces.
  • Physical tasks: lifting, climbing, kneeling, carrying tools, and safe handling of cylinders and heavy components.
  • Travel between job sites in a company service vehicle; most employers require a valid Ontario G-class driver’s licence and a clean record.
  • Strict safety practices, including Working at Heights, WHMIS, lockout/tagout, and safe refrigerant handling and recovery.
  • Coordinating with Electricity Safety Authority (ESA) rules when making electrical connections (your employer must hold proper licences for electrical contracting if required): https://esasafe.com/

Union option:

  • Many commercial/industrial employers are unionized. UA Local 787 (HVACR Workers of Ontario) represents many refrigeration and A/C mechanics across Ontario: https://ua787.org/
  • Union roles often come with standardized wage scales, strong benefits, pension plans, and upgrade training.

Job outlook

Ontario faces strong demand due to:

  • Growth in heat pumps and electrification.
  • Tightening energy codes and a push for energy efficiency.
  • Expanding cold chain logistics (groceries, pharmaceuticals).
  • Construction and retrofit activity across the province.
  • Retirements in the skilled trades.

Official outlook and labour market data:

Key Skills

Soft skills

  • Problem-solving: Diagnose complex mechanical/electrical issues under time pressure.
  • Customer Service: Explain findings clearly and professionally; build trust.
  • Time management: Prioritize calls, keep jobs on schedule, manage parts.
  • Attention to detail: Accurate brazing, leak checks, and measurement.
  • Teamwork and communication: Coordinate with contractors, engineers, and building operators.
  • Adaptability: Work across different systems, brands, and site conditions.
  • Safety mindset: Protect yourself, your team, and the public.

Hard skills

  • Refrigeration cycle mastery: Superheat/subcooling, compression ratios, psychrometrics.
  • Electrical diagnostics: Reading schematics; testing sensors, contactors, relays, motors, and control boards.
  • Brazing and pipefitting: Proper techniques, nitrogen purging, flaring/swaging.
  • Leak detection, evacuation, and charging: Using recovery machines, vacuum pumps, micron gauges, scales.
  • Controls and BAS: Thermostats, VFDs, economizers, and integration basics.
  • Commissioning and maintenance: Baseline measurements, performance verification, documentation.
  • Regulatory compliance: ODP practices, TSSA fuel safety (where applicable), ESA requirements, Ontario Building Code, and TDG awareness.
  • Digital literacy: Service software, mobile apps, and smart tool integration.

Advantages and Disadvantages

Advantages:

  • High demand across Ontario with strong long-term career Security.
  • Excellent earning potential, especially with specialized skills (chillers, supermarket CO2 systems, complex controls).
  • Clear apprenticeship pathway with paid training and recognized credentials (C of Q, Red Seal).
  • Work that’s varied and hands-on—no two days are the same.
  • Opportunities to specialize, supervise, move into project management, Technical Sales, or energy efficiency roles.
  • Contribution to sustainability through efficient HVAC and low-GWP refrigerants.

Disadvantages:

  • On-call and overtime during peak seasons; urgent calls can be stressful.
  • Physically demanding: lifting, climbing, working in confined spaces or extreme temperatures.
  • Exposure to heights, electrical hazards, and pressurized systems—you must be diligent about safety.
  • Travel and traffic between job sites.
  • Continuous upskilling due to technology changes (new refrigerants, controls, codes).

Expert Opinion

If you’re serious about becoming a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic in Ontario, start by securing your ODP card and consider enrolling in a two-year HRAC Technician diploma to build a strong foundation. While you can go straight into an apprenticeship if you find a sponsor, a college diploma often makes you more competitive and job-ready.

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Aim to register as a 313A apprentice with a reputable employer who will expose you to diverse systems—residential, commercial, and ideally some industrial or institutional settings. Ask prospective employers about:

  • The types of equipment you’ll service (e.g., chillers, VRF, supermarket CO2).
  • Whether they provide in-house training and Support for your in-school apprenticeship levels.
  • If they cover costs for certifications like Working at Heights, G2, and controls training.

Consider obtaining a Gas Technician G2 as you progress; many Ontario employers value techs who can legally work on gas-fired heating equipment in addition to refrigeration. If you plan to work on large systems, target companies that service chillers, BAS, and complex refrigeration—these specialties can significantly boost your earnings and career options.

Finally, keep your safety culture strong from day one. Handle refrigerants responsibly, always use nitrogen when brazing, pull deep vacuums and verify with a micron gauge, and follow electrical lockout procedures. Good habits protect your health, your licence, and your reputation.

FAQ

What’s the difference between 313A and 313D in Ontario?

Ontario has two related trades:

  • 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (compulsory): Covers residential, commercial, and industrial systems of all sizes, including complex refrigeration (e.g., supermarkets, chillers, VRF). You must be registered or certified to practice.
  • 313D Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (primarily residential scope): Focuses on residential A/C systems. Many employers prefer 313A because it allows broader work across sectors. If you want maximum flexibility and earning potential, pursue 313A.

Learn more about 313A requirements: https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trades/refrigeration-and-air-conditioning-systems-mechanic-313a/

Do I need both the 313A certificate and a Gas Technician licence (G2)?

To legally practice refrigeration and air conditioning work in Ontario, you need to be registered/certified in 313A. If you also service gas-fired equipment (common in HVAC), you’ll typically need a Gas Technician (G2) licence from TSSA. Many Ontario employers expect technicians to hold both ODP and G2 because they work with furnaces, rooftop units, makeup air units, and Boilers that use natural gas. Gas licensing info: https://www.tssa.org/en/fuels/fuels-safety-licenses-permits-and-certifications.aspx

How are refrigerant rules changing, and will that affect my training?

Yes. Canada is phasing down high-global-warming-potential (GWP) HFC refrigerants under federal regulations aligned with the Kigali Amendment. Ontario employers are adopting low-GWP alternatives such as A2L refrigerants (e.g., R-32, R-454B) and CO2 (R-744) systems, particularly for supermarkets. You will learn safe handling procedures, updated charging practices, and ventilation/detection requirements for these refrigerants during your in-school training and employer training. Your ODP certification remains mandatory for refrigerant handling. Keep current through college upgrade courses, manufacturer training, and HRAI courses: https://www.hrai.ca/training/refrigerant-handling

Is union membership required, and how do I join UA Local 787?

Union membership is not required across the board. Many residential employers are non-union, while a significant portion of commercial/industrial work is unionized. If you choose the union route, contact UA Local 787 (HVACR Workers of Ontario) to learn about apprenticeship intake, hiring halls, wage scales, and benefits: https://ua787.org/. Whether you go union or non-union, focus on quality training, exposure to complex systems, and steady progression through your apprenticeship levels.

I have years of HVAC experience from another country. Can I challenge the exam in Ontario?

Possibly. If you have substantial verifiable experience, you can apply through Skilled Trades Ontario’s Trade Qualifier (Trade Equivalency) pathway. You’ll need to document your work experience and scope to show it matches Ontario’s 313A competencies. If approved, you can write the Certificate of Qualification exam without completing a full Ontario apprenticeship. Details: https://www.skilledtradesontario.ca/trade-qualifier/

Helpful steps:

  • Gather employer letters, job descriptions, and references outlining your refrigeration and A/C experience.
  • Obtain your ODP certification and review Canadian codes and practices.
  • Consider a short college refresher or exam prep course to align with Ontario standards.

By following the Ontario pathway—securing an employer sponsor, completing in-school training, earning your ODP (and ideally G2), and writing your C of Q—you’ll be well positioned for a stable, well-paid, and future-focused career as a Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) in Ontario.

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