Build Your Future in Air Conditioning & Refrigeration
Air conditioning, heating, refrigeration and automation/environmental controls industries provide essential technology services for the control of environments ranging from the comfort of people to the storage of essential products to the process of manufacturing goods used in everyday life. Government labor statistics and industry leaders project sustained growth of jobs in this industry for many years to come due to expanding technologies and an aging work force. Job growth is so strong that a shortage exists for qualified, knowledgeable people.
Frequently Asked Questions
Program options include certificate programs and an associate in science degree.
Depending on the program and the number of units taken each semester, completing a certificate program can take as little as one to two semesters and completing the associate of science degree program can take about two years.
The program cost is $46 per unit for California residents, not including books, fees, and supplies. Units vary by course, but the average is three units per course. Unit fees for the 12-unit certificate would be $552, ranging up to the 60-unit associate degree, which would be $2,760. Most students also qualify for some form of financial aid.
Entry level careers as an air conditioning and refrigeration mechanic and/or installer can earn a median annual salary (2 years after program) of $51,491. The starting pay is approximately $18-22 per hour and does not include benefits or overtime.
Other careers include building commissioning professional, air conditioning building professional, project management air conditioning project manager, HVAC estimator,
commercial air conditioning technician, commercial refrigeration technician, and commercial refrigeration technician.
Students who earn an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Associate In Science or enter the field as an air conditioning and refrigeration professional can expect a median annual salary (2 years after program) or $51,986, with starting pay at $23-25 per hour, not including benefits or overtime.
Students who earn an Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Associate in Science or enter the field as an air conditioning and refrigeration professional can expect a median annual salary (two years after program) or $51,986, with starting pay at $23-25 per hour, not including benefits or overtime.
Program Mapper: View course options for these programs.
- Mechanical Systems Core Certificate = 12 units (1 semester)
- Air Conditioning Building Commissioning Certificate = 24 units (2 semesters)
- Air Conditioning Codes and Estimating Certificate = 23 units (2 semesters)
- Commercial Air Conditioning Certificate = 25 units (2 semesters)
- Commercial Refrigeration Certificate = 21.5-22 units (2 semesters)
- Heat Pump Certificate = 24 units (2 semesters)
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Project Management Certificate = 21 units (2 semesters)
- Air Conditioning Environmental Controls Certificate = 25.5-26 units (2-3 semesters)
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate = 38.5-39 units (3-4 semesters)
- Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Associate in Science Degree= 60 units (2 years)
There are no additional requirements to enroll in this program; however, some courses may have prerequisites that can be viewed in the Cypress College Catalog and the Schedule of Classes.
Richard Hock, Department Chair
rhock@cypresscollege.edu
(714) 484-7256
Tech Ed III – Room 110
Doug Sallade
dsallade@cypresscollege.edu
(714) 484-7257
Carlos Urquidi
curquidi@cypresscollege.edu
(714) 484-7000 ext. 48066
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Richard Hock
Department Chair
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Doug Sallade
Instructor
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Jane Jepson
CTE Division Counselor
CONTACT THE DEPARTMENT:
Cindy Cao
Division Office Manager
Average Salary in this Field
$51,491-$51,986 Per Year
Careers in this Field
Air Conditioning
Refrigeration Mechanics
Refrigeration Installers
