Three RoutesCompare · Ontario figures · updated 2 November 2026
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic vs Engineering
Same columns, no opinion about which is better for you. On typical Ontario figures, HVAC / refrigeration mechanic is ahead by year 10 ($656k against $486k), because it starts earning earlier. The gap is before tax, rent and loan interest, which hit both routes. HVAC / refrigeration mechanic gets to a real paycheque first (month one). HVAC / refrigeration mechanic costs $50,500 less to get into.
| Measure | HVAC / refrigeration mechanic | Engineering |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Apprenticeship | University degree |
| Credential | Certificate of Qualification (313A) | Bachelor of Engineering (BEng) |
| Years to finish | 5 | 4 |
| First real paycheque | Month one | About 4 years |
| Cost (tuition and fees) | $1,500 | $52,000 |
| Typical debt if you borrow | $0 | $30,600 |
| Earnings, first years | $42,000 | $79,100 |
| Earnings by year 5 | $72,000 | $95,000 |
| Net by year 10 (typical) | $656k | $486k |
| Demand in Ontario | High | High |
| Time in a classroom | 15% | 80% |
Earnings by year, roughly
Before tax. Years in school show as "school". Medians rise from the starting figure to the year-5 figure, then stay flat.
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic
A day looks like: Installing and servicing heating, cooling and refrigeration systems. Increasingly technical as heat pumps and controls become standard.
What stops people: Sponsoring employer.
Downside: Attics in July and rooftops in January. Demand is high partly because the work is uncomfortable.
Engineering
A day looks like: Heavy math and labs for four years; co-op terms in industry. Specialise in second year.
What stops people: Admission averages of 88–95 at the major schools, and a brutal first year.
Downside: Five years if you do co-op, which you should. High tuition. Roughly a fifth of students switch out after first year.
Quick answers
Which pays more, hvac / refrigeration mechanic or engineering?
By year five, HVAC / refrigeration mechanic is about $72,000 and Engineering about $95,000 (Ontario medians, before tax). By year ten, counting what each cost, HVAC / refrigeration mechanic nets roughly $656k and Engineering roughly $486k.
Which is faster to a real paycheque?
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic: month one. Engineering: about 4 years.
What does each cost?
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic: $1,500 in tuition and fees, typical debt $0. Engineering: $52,000, typical debt $30,600.
What is the downside of each?
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic: Attics in July and rooftops in January. Demand is high partly because the work is uncomfortable. Engineering: Five years if you do co-op, which you should. High tuition. Roughly a fifth of students switch out after first year.
Get your own three
Seven questions, two minutes, no sign-up. The same numbers as this page, ranked for your answers.
Figures are Ontario medians and typical costs from Job Bank, Statistics Canada, Skilled Trades Ontario and institution fee pages; the data page lists every source and date. Switch province on either pathway page for BC, Alberta or Quebec figures.