How to Become an HVAC Technician in Ontario
Keep homes and buildings cool, warm and comfortable — refrigeration, air conditioning and heating.
To become an HVAC technician in Ontario, find an employer to sponsor you and register your Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) apprenticeship with Skilled Trades Ontario. You need Grade 10 to start. The apprenticeship is 9,000 hours — about 5 years — mostly paid work on the job, with 3 in-school levels. It is a compulsory trade, so you must be registered or certified to do the work, and a Red Seal trade. Job Bank puts the median wage in Ontario at $37.00 an hour (2023–2024).
Facts checked against the official sources listed at the bottom of this page. Rules and fees change — confirm with the organization before you rely on them.
What the work involves
- Plans, installs, starts up, services, repairs, tests and commissions refrigeration and air-conditioning systems.
- Installs and connects piping that carries refrigerant for heating and cooling.
- Checks how well a system is running, adjusts pressures and controls, and replaces worn or leaking parts.
- Works on residential, commercial, industrial and institutional systems, including geo-exchange systems.
Summarized from Skilled Trades Ontario’s description of the trade(opens in a new tab).
A day as an apprentice
- Pick up your first service call or join an install crew on a new building.
- Read gauges and meters to work out what a system is doing — and why.
- Braze and connect refrigerant lines, mount equipment, and start it up safely.
- Explain to the customer what you found and fixed, then log the skills you practised.
A typical picture — every employer and every job site is different.
The facts: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A)
Each line links to the official page it came from.
| Trade name and code | Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) source (opens in a new tab) |
|---|---|
| Compulsory or voluntary | Compulsory — you must be registered or certified to do the work source (opens in a new tab) |
| Apprenticeship hours | 9,000 hours (about 5 years): 8,280 on the job + 720 in school source (opens in a new tab) |
| In-school levels | |
| Red Seal | Yes — Red Seal title: Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic source (opens in a new tab) |
| Certificate of Qualification exam | |
| Minimum schooling to start | Grade 10 source (opens in a new tab) |
| Certificates of Qualification issued in 2025 | |
| Wages in Ontario (Job Bank) | Median $37.00/hour · low $21.00 · high $58.00 source (opens in a new tab)Job Bank “Refrigeration Mechanic”, NOC 72402 (Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics). Reference period 2023–2024; source: Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada; updated 2025-11-19. |
| Job outlook in Ontario (Job Bank) | Good (2025–2027) source (opens in a new tab)Job Bank’s 3-year outlook; updated 2025-12-10. |
| Apprentice pay | No legal pay scale — see what apprentices earn Ontario law sets no apprentice pay scale — the old government percentage schedules ended in 2013. Apprentices must be paid at least the general minimum wage ($17.95 an hour since October 1, 2026; any yearly change takes effect October 1). Above that, the employer sets the rate — or, for union members, the collective agreement. |
What apprentices earn in Ontario
The law first, then what people in the trade earn where you live, then what one real agreement pays.
The rule
Ontario law sets no apprentice pay scale. The floor is the general minimum wage — $17.95 an hour since October 1, 2026 — and it applies to apprentices like anyone else. Above that, your employer sets your pay, or, if you are a union member, the collective agreement does.
- The old government schedules that set apprentice pay as a percentage of a journeyperson’s rate ended in 2013 (revoked April 8, 2013 by O. Reg. 426/12). The current law, the Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021, has no apprentice pay provision. e-Laws(opens in a new tab)
- The minimum wage was $17.60 before October 1, 2026. Any yearly change is published by April 1 and takes effect October 1. Ontario’s minimum wage page(opens in a new tab)
- The lower $16.90 student rate applies only to students under 18 working 28 hours a week or less while school is in session, or during school breaks — not to an adult apprentice. Ontario’s minimum-wage rules have no apprentice exemption.
- Ask what you will be paid — and how it goes up as you progress — before you sign your training agreement.
What HVAC technicians earn, by region
Hourly wages from Job Bank (Government of Canada) for “Refrigeration Mechanic” (NOC 72402), updated November 19, 2025. Job Bank publishes one set of figures for the whole occupation, apprentices included — so the low end is not an apprentice rate, and the median is not a pure journeyperson rate. Regions use different survey data; each row says which. The 313D residential trade shares this occupation, so Job Bank’s figures are the same for both.
| Region | Low | Median | High | Data |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ontario | $21.00 | $37.00 | $58.00 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Hamilton–Niagara Peninsula | $19.00 | $37.50 | $59.00 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Kingston–Pembroke | $20.00 | $30.00 | $40.00 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Kitchener–Waterloo–Barrie | $22.00 | $39.00 | $59.01 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| London | $23.82 | $34.16 | $47.00 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Muskoka–Kawarthas | Not published | Job Bank: not published for this region (data limitations) | ||
| Northeast | $22.00 | $35.44 | $55.00 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Northwest | $31.00 | $35.00 | $53.70 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Ottawa | $19.50 | $40.00 | $58.00 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Stratford–Bruce Peninsula | $24.99 | $34.35 | $45.28 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
| Toronto | $21.00 | $37.00 | $58.00 | 2023–2024 · Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada |
| Windsor-Sarnia | $23.65 | $33.64 | $48.68 | 2024 · Small Area Estimation |
Source: Job Bank — Refrigeration Mechanic wages in Ontario (opens in a new tab). The minimum wage ($17.95 since October 1, 2026) is the same everywhere in Ontario.
The minimum wage is 48.5% of this median (calculated: $17.95 divided by the median). Hourly, before deductions. Both figures are in the table.
A real example: union apprentice pay
We found no current union agreement for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) in Ontario’s Collective Agreements e-Library(opens in a new tab). The newest one on file expired April 30, 2025, so we do not show its rates as current.
Two other HVAC routes
HVAC work in Ontario has more than one route. These two are separate from 313A.
Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313D)
| Compulsory or voluntary | Compulsory source (opens in a new tab) |
|---|---|
| Apprenticeship hours | 4,500 hours (about 2.5 years): 4,020 on the job + 480 in school source (opens in a new tab) |
| In-school levels | |
| Red Seal | Not on the Red Seal trades list source (opens in a new tab)Not on the Red Seal trades list, and Skilled Trades Ontario’s page for this trade carries no Red Seal statement. |
| Certificate of Qualification exam | |
| Wages in Ontario (Job Bank) | Median $37.00/hour · low $21.00 · high $58.00 source (opens in a new tab)Same Job Bank occupation as 313A. Job Bank “Refrigeration Mechanic”, NOC 72402 (Heating, refrigeration and air conditioning mechanics). Reference period 2023–2024; source: Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada; updated 2025-11-19. |
Gas technician (TSSA certificates)
| Who certifies | TSSA, under O. Reg. 215/01 (Fuels Industry Certificates) source (opens in a new tab)Not a Skilled Trades Ontario apprenticeship. |
|---|---|
| Certificate ladder | G.3 → G.2 → G.1 source (opens in a new tab) |
| Suggested program hours | G.3: 180 · G.2: 480 (660 in total) · G.1: 140 (800 in total) source (opens in a new tab)TSSA’s suggested program hours. |
| To move up to G.2 | A valid G.3, plus either a TSSA-accredited G.3 program or 450 hours of documented G.3 work experience source (opens in a new tab) |
| To move up to G.1 | A valid G.2, the G.1 exam, and two years (4,000 hours) of G.2 field experience, including at least 500 hours on systems over 400,000 Btuh source (opens in a new tab) |
| Wages in Ontario (Job Bank) | Median $36.06/hour · low $26.00 · high $62.50 source (opens in a new tab)Job Bank “Gas Fitter”, NOC 72302 (Gas fitters). Reference period 2023–2024; source: Labour Force Survey - Statistics Canada; updated 2025-11-19. |
| Job outlook in Ontario (Job Bank) | Moderate (2025–2027) source (opens in a new tab) |
How to start
- Find a sponsor. An employer (or union, or group) agrees to train you. This is the step that starts everything.
- Register as an apprentice. Sign a Training Agreement with your sponsor and register it with Skilled Trades Ontario.
- Do the training. Log your on-the-job hours and complete each in-school level.
- Get certified. Write the Certificate of Qualification exam; in a Red Seal trade you can earn the Red Seal too.
The exam costs $150 + HST; the first attempt is free when you complete an Ontario apprenticeship.
Where to train
Colleges and training providers (3)
In-school training is delivered by colleges and other approved training providers. A few with a 313A program:
- Conestoga College — Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (Apprenticeship)(opens in a new tab)
- Centennial College — Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic(opens in a new tab)
- Mohawk College — Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic 313A(opens in a new tab)
- Search all college programs on ontariocolleges.ca(opens in a new tab)
Running your own business later
Gas technicians in Ontario are certified by the Technical Standards and Safety Authority (TSSA), on a ladder from G.3 to G.2 to G.1. Start with TSSA’s own pages.
- TSSA — Training and professional certification(opens in a new tab)
- TSSA — Gas technician policies and procedures(opens in a new tab)
Trade associations
Looking for a sponsor?
Contractors who may hire apprentices
Apprentices are sponsored by employers in the trade. Browse local HVAC technicians by city on ProScore and contact them directly — not every business sponsors apprentices, so ask.
HVAC companies on ProScoreUpcoming events to meet the trade
Career fairs and industry events in Ontario where you can meet people in the trade. Dates checked against each organizer.
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – Windsor Nov 11–12, 2026 LaSalle (Windsor)
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – London Nov 17–19, 2026 London
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – Ottawa Nov 24–26, 2026 Ottawa
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – Oshawa Dec 1–3, 2026 Oshawa
- Career fairLevel Up! Skilled Trades Career Fair – Mississauga Dec 8–10, 2026 Mississauga
- CompetitionSkills Ontario Competition & Career Showcase May 3–5, 2027 Toronto
Frequently asked questions
How do I become an HVAC technician in Ontario?
Find a sponsor (usually an employer) and register an apprenticeship in Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) with Skilled Trades Ontario. The entry requirement is Grade 10. You then log on-the-job hours, complete the in-school levels, and write the Certificate of Qualification exam.
How long does it take to become an HVAC technician in Ontario?
Skilled Trades Ontario sets the apprenticeship at 9,000 hours, about 5 years: 8,280 hours on the job and 720 hours of in-school training over 3 levels.
Do you need a certificate to work as an HVAC technician in Ontario?
Yes. Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic is a compulsory trade: to do the work legally you must be a registered apprentice or hold a Provisional or full Certificate of Qualification, and appear on the Skilled Trades Ontario Public Register.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Ontario?
Job Bank puts the median wage for refrigeration mechanics in Ontario (NOC 72402) at $37.00 an hour, with a low of $21.00 and a high of $58.00 (2023–2024). Job Bank publishes one figure for the whole occupation, apprentices included, so it is not an apprentice rate.
How much do apprentice HVAC technicians earn in Ontario?
Ontario law sets no apprentice pay scale — the old government percentage schedules ended in 2013. Apprentices must be paid at least the general minimum wage ($17.95 an hour since October 1, 2026; any yearly change takes effect October 1). Above that, the employer sets the rate — or, for union members, the collective agreement. We found no current union agreement for Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A) in Ontario’s Collective Agreements e-Library; the newest on file expired April 30, 2025.
Is Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic a Red Seal trade?
Yes — its Red Seal title is Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic. Passing the Red Seal exam adds a Red Seal endorsement to your provincial certificate.
Compare other trades
Each page covers the work, the apprenticeship, the pay, where to train and what to do first.
- ElectricianWire, power and light homes and buildings — and find out why something isn’t working.309ACompulsoryabout 5 yearsRed Seal
- PlumberBring clean water in and take waste water away — in homes, businesses and industry.306ACompulsoryabout 5 yearsRed Seal
- HVAC TechnicianKeep homes and buildings cool, warm and comfortable — refrigeration, air conditioning and heating.313ACompulsoryabout 5 yearsRed Seal
- CarpenterBuild the frame of a house, the forms for a foundation, the stairs and the finishing touches.403AVoluntaryabout 4 yearsRed Seal
- RooferInstall and repair the roofs that keep everything else dry — flat, sloped, shingle and membrane.449AVoluntaryabout 2 yearsRed Seal
- Horticultural TechnicianGrow plants, build landscapes and care for lawns, gardens, golf courses and irrigation.441CVoluntaryabout 3 yearsRed Seal
Facts checked
Every number on this page comes from one of these official pages, read on that date. Where two official sources disagree, we show both. Where nothing official is published, we say so instead of estimating. ProScore is not affiliated with these organizations.
The 20 official sources
- Skilled Trades Ontario — 2025 trade report, 313A(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313A)(opens in a new tab)
- Job Bank — Refrigeration mechanic wages in Ontario(opens in a new tab)
- Job Bank — Refrigeration mechanic job outlook in Ontario(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Residential Air Conditioning Systems Mechanic (313D)(opens in a new tab)
- Red Seal Program — Red Seal trades(opens in a new tab)
- TSSA — Gas Technician and Oil Burner Technician policies and procedures (2025)(opens in a new tab)
- Job Bank — Gas fitter wages in Ontario(opens in a new tab)
- Job Bank — Gas fitter job outlook in Ontario(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Starting your apprenticeship(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Finishing an apprenticeship(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Exam scheduling(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Certificate of Qualification(opens in a new tab)
- Red Seal Program — About the program(opens in a new tab)
- Government of Ontario — Your guide to the Employment Standards Act: Minimum wage(opens in a new tab)
- Ontario e-Laws — O. Reg. 285/01, Exemptions, special rules and establishment of minimum wage(opens in a new tab)
- Ontario e-Laws — Building Opportunities in the Skilled Trades Act, 2021(opens in a new tab)
- Ontario e-Laws — O. Reg. 426/12, Revoking various regulations(opens in a new tab)
- Skilled Trades Ontario — Sponsor an apprentice(opens in a new tab)
- Government of Ontario — Collective Agreements e-Library(opens in a new tab)