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HVAC Technician Jobs in Ontario: Demand, Salaries & How to Land Your Next Role
HVAC HVAC technician Ontario jobs 313D heat pump G2 gas fitter

HVAC Technician Jobs in Ontario: Demand, Salaries & How to Land Your Next Role

HVAC Technician Jobs in Ontario: Demand, Salaries & How to Land Your Next Role

The demand for HVAC technician jobs in Ontario has never been stronger. Driven by the province's push toward energy-efficient heating and cooling, cold-climate heat pump adoption, and a wave of commercial and institutional construction, HVAC professionals are among the most sought-after tradespeople in 2026.

Whether you're a residential service tech, a commercial installer, or a controls specialist, here's everything you need to know about the Ontario HVAC job market.

What's Driving HVAC Hiring in Ontario

Several powerful trends are converging to create sustained demand:

  • Cold-climate heat pump mandate: Ontario and federal programs are incentivizing the switch from gas furnaces to electric heat pumps. This requires HVAC technicians trained in heat pump installation, servicing, and refrigerant handling.
  • Green building standards: New construction must meet increasingly strict energy codes. High-efficiency HVAC systems are central to compliance.
  • Commercial construction boom: Office towers, hospitals, schools, and data centres all require sophisticated HVAC systems designed, installed, and maintained by skilled technicians.
  • Aging workforce: Many experienced HVAC technicians are approaching retirement, creating openings for newer professionals.
  • Retrofit and renovation market: Older buildings across Ontario are being upgraded with modern HVAC systems, creating a steady stream of service and installation work.

    • Salary Ranges for HVAC Technicians in Ontario (2026)

    Role Entry-Level Mid-Career Senior/Specialist
    Residential HVAC Technician $22–$30/hr $32–$42/hr $44–$55/hr
    Commercial HVAC Technician $25–$33/hr $35–$45/hr $48–$58/hr
    HVAC Controls Technician $28–$36/hr $38–$48/hr $50–$62/hr
    HVAC Design/Trade Specialist $40–$50/hr $52–$62/hr $65–$80/hr
    Refrigeration Mechanic (313A) $26–$34/hr $36–$46/hr $48–$60/hr

    Many roles include on-call pay, overtime, vehicle allowances, benefits, and tool provisions.

    In-Demand HVAC Specializations

    Residential Service Technician

    The most common entry point. Install, maintain, and repair furnaces, air conditioners, heat pumps, water heaters, and ventilation systems in homes. Customer service skills are as important as technical ability.

    Commercial HVAC Installer

    Work on larger systems in offices, schools, hospitals, and industrial facilities. Requires familiarity with rooftop units (RTUs), chillers, boilers, VRF systems, and building automation integration.

    HVAC Controls Technician

    A high-growth specialization. These technicians work with building automation systems (BAS), direct digital controls (DDC), Niagara N4 platforms, and networked HVAC controls. Employers like Daikin Applied Canada actively recruit for these roles in Ottawa and across Ontario.

    Heat Pump Specialist

    With cold-climate heat pump adoption accelerating, technicians who understand air-source and ground-source heat pump systems — including inverter-driven technology and smart thermostat integration — are in particularly high demand.

    HVAC Design Development Specialist

    A senior role bridging engineering and field execution. Professionals in this role review piping designs, optimize layouts, support BIM coordination, and ensure code compliance. Modern Niagara recently posted a role in Ottawa paying $100,000–$130,000/year.

    Refrigeration Mechanic (313A)

    A step beyond standard HVAC. These technicians work with commercial and industrial refrigeration systems — cold storage, supermarkets, food processing, and pharmaceutical facilities. The 313A licence commands premium wages.

    Essential Certifications for HVAC Technicians in Ontario

  • 313D Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic: The core provincial licence for HVAC work in Ontario.
  • 313A Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Mechanic: Advanced licence for commercial/industrial refrigeration.
  • G2 Gas Fitter License: Required for any work involving natural gas or propane systems. Issued by TSSA.
  • Red Seal endorsement: Portable across Canada; highly valued by employers operating in multiple provinces.
  • ODP Certification (Ozone Depletion Prevention): Required for handling refrigerants.
  • WHMIS 2015: Mandatory workplace safety certification.
  • Working at Heights: Required for rooftop and elevated work.
  • Niagara N4/AX Certification: Valuable for controls technician roles.
  • First Aid/CPR: Often required or preferred.

    • Top Employers Hiring HVAC Technicians in Ontario

    Based on current listings on TradesON:

  • Daikin Applied Canada — The world's largest HVAC company, hiring controls technicians and service roles in Ottawa.
  • Modern Niagara — Major mechanical/electrical contractor with projects across Ontario; hiring design specialists and field technicians.
  • 1Click Energy Solutions — Heat pump specialist in Ottawa hiring experienced HVAC service technicians.
  • Climate Keepers Inc. — Ottawa-based company hiring residential and commercial HVAC technicians, including apprentices.
  • Francis Heating & Air Conditioning — National home comfort company with Ottawa operations.
  • Airmetrics Energy Systems — Ottawa employer hiring senior HVAC technicians.
  • EllisDon, PCL, and other major contractors — Post HVAC subtrade positions for large-scale projects.

    • How to Find HVAC Technician Jobs in Ontario

  • TradesON job board: Browse HVAC technician jobs → — Filter by location, type, and salary to find roles that match your experience and goals.
  • UA Local unions: If you're unionized (UA 46, UA 527, etc.), your local hall is a primary source.
  • Skilled Trades Ontario: The provincial body offers apprenticeship resources and job search tools.
  • Employer career pages: Check directly with companies like Daikin, Modern Niagara, and Climate Keepers.
  • Industry associations: HRAI (Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada) posts resources and job listings.

    • Tips for Landing Your Next HVAC Role

  • Lead with your licences: Your 313D, G2, and any Red Seal or ODP certifications should be at the top of your resume.
  • Specify system experience: List the specific equipment you've worked on — brands, system types, capacities. Employers search for these keywords.
  • Highlight heat pump experience: If you've installed or serviced cold-climate heat pumps, make this prominent. It's the fastest-growing segment.
  • Show customer service skills: Especially for residential roles, employers value technicians who communicate well with homeowners.
  • Be open to on-call: Many HVAC roles include on-call rotation, especially in service positions. Willingness to participate expands your options.
  • Consider controls training: If you're looking to increase your earning potential, investing in building automation and controls training pays off quickly.

    • Browse HVAC Jobs Now

    Ontario's HVAC job market is one of the strongest in Canada right now. Whether you're a residential tech, a commercial installer, or a controls specialist, there are opportunities waiting.

    Related Resources

    Ready to find your next HVAC role? Browse HVAC and trades jobs on TradesON →

    [Browse HVAC technician jobs on TradesON →](https://tradeson.ca/jobs)

    TradesON is Ontario's dedicated skilled trades job board. We focus exclusively on trades and construction roles so you can find relevant opportunities without the noise.

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