Air conditioning engineer Salary UK
Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers in the UK earn a median salary of £41,166 a year (ONS ASHE 2025, gross pay, all employee jobs). The figures cover the ONS occupation group “Air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers” (SOC 5225).
Gross pay, before deductions. See take-home pay on £41,000 after tax and National Insurance →
For air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers, £41,166 is the typical (median) pay. That is above the UK full-time median of £39,039 — +5.0% versus the national average.
About this role
Air-conditioning and refrigeration engineers install, maintain, service and repair heating, ventilation, air conditioning (HVAC) and refrigeration systems in commercial, industrial and residential buildings.
Key responsibilities
- Installing HVAC and refrigeration systems
- Servicing and maintaining climate control equipment
- Diagnosing and repairing system faults
- Handling refrigerant gases in compliance with F-gas regulations
- Commissioning systems and verifying performance
Qualifications and entry routes
Requires City & Guilds or NVQ qualifications in refrigeration and air conditioning. F-gas certification is legally required for handling fluorinated greenhouse gases. BESA (Building Engineering Services Association) membership is valued.
Career outlook
Strong demand driven by heat pump installations, data centre cooling and F-gas regulation compliance. Skills shortage in the sector creates good employment prospects.
Key skills
Common industries
- Building services
- Facilities management
- Refrigeration companies
- Supermarket chains
- Data centres
Data coverage
Salary Range (2025)
Estimated Career Progression
Based on salary percentile distribution for this occupation
Entry Level
£36,608
0-2 years
Mid Level
£36,608
3-7 years
Salary Trend (2015-2025)
Gender Pay Comparison (2025)
Full-time vs All Employees (2025)
Full-time premium: +£0
Air conditioning engineer salary: common questions
How much do air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers earn in the UK?
Is £41,166 a good salary in the UK?
What is the starting salary for air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers?
Have air-conditioning and refrigeration installers and repairers salaries kept up with inflation?
Figures: ONS Annual Survey of Hours and Earnings, gross annual pay. UK full-time median £39,039 (2025). How the figures are built: salary data methodology.