Three RoutesCompare · Ontario figures · updated 2 November 2026
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic vs Welder
Same columns, no opinion about which is better for you. On typical Ontario figures, HVAC / refrigeration mechanic is ahead by year 10 ($656k against $519k), because it pays more per year once you are working. The gap is before tax, rent and loan interest, which hit both routes. Job Bank rates demand higher for HVAC / refrigeration mechanic in Ontario right now.
| Measure | HVAC / refrigeration mechanic | Welder |
|---|---|---|
| Route | Apprenticeship | Apprenticeship |
| Credential | Certificate of Qualification (313A) | Certificate of Qualification (456A) |
| Years to finish | 5 | 3 |
| First real paycheque | Month one | Month one |
| Cost (tuition and fees) | $1,500 | $1,500 |
| Typical debt if you borrow | $0 | $0 |
| Earnings, first years | $42,000 | $41,000 |
| Earnings by year 5 | $72,000 | $55,000 |
| Net by year 10 (typical) | $656k | $519k |
| Demand in Ontario | High | Limited |
| Time in a classroom | 15% | 20% |
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.
Welder
A day looks like: Fabrication shops, construction, manufacturing. Skill is visible and testable, so good welders move up fast.
What stops people: Certifications (CWB tickets) matter more than the apprenticeship itself.
Downside: Fumes, heat and eye strain; wages vary hugely by sector. Pipeline and shipyard pay is high but means travel.
Quick answers
Which pays more, hvac / refrigeration mechanic or welder?
By year five, HVAC / refrigeration mechanic is about $72,000 and Welder about $55,000 (Ontario medians, before tax). By year ten, counting what each cost, HVAC / refrigeration mechanic nets roughly $656k and Welder roughly $519k.
Which is faster to a real paycheque?
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic: month one. Welder: month one.
What does each cost?
HVAC / refrigeration mechanic: $1,500 in tuition and fees, typical debt $0. Welder: $1,500, typical debt $0.
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. Welder: Fumes, heat and eye strain; wages vary hugely by sector. Pipeline and shipyard pay is high but means travel.
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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.