Oil and Solid Fuel Heating Mechanics
(NOC 7331)
in All Trades and TransportationOil and solid fuel heating mechanics install and maintain oil, coal, and wood heating systems in residential and commercial buildings. Oil heat system technicians install, repair, and service oil burning and oil combination burning equipment and appliances. They work for heating systems installation and service companies.
Job Outlook
average
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Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
Outlook: average, mostly balanced conditions in the labour market.
Size of the occupation: small, with infrequent job opportunities.
Demand: employment decline will lead to a loss of some positions. Several positions will become available due to retirements.
Unemployment: There are a moderate number of unemployed workers with recent experience in this occupation.
Work hours: full-time, usually. Jobs are typically permanent positions.
Some of the workforce is self-employed. Having the option to “work for yourself” may appeal to some individuals.
Hourly Pay
$16.00
Minimum$23.00
Median$34.45
MaximumAnnual Pay
$9,524
Minimum$39,759
Median$71,599
MaximumCompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Hourly Pay
$15.00
Minimum$24.00
Median$37.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$7,580
Minimum$37,269
Median$79,787
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics install and maintain oil, coal, and wood heating systems in residential and commercial buildings. Oil heat system technicians install, repair, and service oil burning and oil combination burning equipment and appliances. They work for heating systems installation and service companies.
Job duties
Oil and solid fuel heating mechanics:
- Read and interpret drawings or specifications to determine work to be performed.
- Lay out oil burner heating system components and assemble components using hand and power tools.
- Install oil burner components like thermostats, motors, piping, and safety devices, and connect to fuel supply, ventilation, and electrical system.
- Test installed unit and adjust controls for proper functioning.
- Troubleshoot and repair malfunctioning oil burners, and their components and controls.
- Install, maintain, and repair coal and wood heating systems.
- Complete scheduled maintenance service on oil and solid fuel heating systems.
Sample job titles
- furnace installer and repairer (except gas)
- heating mechanic
- heating systems installer
- heating systems technician
- oil burner installer and repairer
- oil burner mechanic
- oil burner technician
- oil heat system technician
- solid fuel heating installer
- wood-burning appliance installer
Skills
- An understanding of electricity
- mechanical aptitude
- problem-solving skills
- ability to follow instructions
- ability to do detailed work
- patience and methodical ability
- analytical skills
- mathematical skills
- good motor control
- physical strength and stamina
- customer relations skills
Job requirements
- High school or equivalent (usually).
- Training through a 5,400-hour apprenticeship program with three apprenticeship levels: to become an apprentice you first need to have a job - enter an apprenticeship agreement either directly through an employer or after graduating from a college-level pre-apprenticeship program; learn on the job, mentored by a certified journeyperson who signs off on skills in a logbook.
- Trade Qualifier option: 8,100 hours and other criteria.
- Certification for oil heat system technicians is compulsory in Nova Scotia.
- Write and score a minimum of 70% on the Red Seal exam for oil heat system technicians.
- Red Seal Endorsement (RSE) allows for interprovincial mobility.
Other considerations
- Service calls and emergency calls may take place days, evenings, or weekends.
- Full-time and seasonal employment opportunities are available.
- Technological changes and stringent new regulations have forced oil heat system technicians to upgrade their skills.
- Increasingly complex and strict environmental laws are having a major impact on the occupation.
- The mechanic must recognize potential hazards and react to dangerous situations.
- A move to alternative fuel sources continues to impact the trade.
- Experienced oil heat system technicians may advance to supervisory and management positions or move into self-employment.
- Apprentices usually earn a percentage of the journeyperson (fully qualified) rate. This percentage increases as each level of the apprenticeship program is completed.
- Everyone has fair access to participate and succeed in the apprenticeship system. Everyone who develops the necessary skills and abilities should be able to succeed in the trades and trade qualification system. Work environments in the province support women and equity-seeking communities.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
$49,913 median annual incomeNorth Shore
$35,410 median annual incomeCape Breton
$30,112 median annual incomeSouthern
$36,900 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
$37,492 median annual incomeCompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Construction
Retail trade
Wholesale trade
Other services (except public administration)
Educational services
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
65+
15-24
Compared to: All Trades and Transportation
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Trade Certification
$46,580 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$37,508 median annual incomeHigh school
$30,205 median annual incomeLess than high school
N/ADiploma Below Bachelor
N/ACompared to: All Trades and Transportation
Trade Certification
$46,494 median annual incomeHigh school
$31,260 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$42,050 median annual incomeLess than high school
$28,319 median annual incomeBachelor
$30,527 median annual incomeEducation & training
Apprenticeship - Oil Heat System Technician
Apprenticeship ProgramApprenticeship is a structured training program leading to certification in the skilled trades. An apprenticeship combines supervised on-the-job training and experience with theoretical technical training. You find a job in your trade first and then enter into an apprenticeship agreement. You work 5,400 hours mentored by a certified journeyperson and gain the required skills and knowledge. You also take some technical courses. The Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency administers the trades training and certification system.
Institutions providing this program
Heating, Air Conditioning, Ventilation and Refrigeration Maintenance Technician (HAC, HACR, HVAC, HVACR) - Pre-apprenticeship College Program
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to repair, install, service and maintain the operating condition of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems. They include courses in diagnostic techniques, the use of testing equipment and the principles of mechanics, electricity, and electronics as they relate to the repair of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration systems.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Trade Qualifier
Trades ProgramThe Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency also offers a path to trades certification outside of a formal apprenticeship agreement with a qualified journeyperson. This option includes a set amount of required hours of related experience in the trade, passing a certification exam, and other criteria. Contact the Nova Scotia Apprenticeship Agency for more details.
Institutions providing this program
Employment requirements & contacts
Regulations
Compulsory Certification (Mandatory): This is a regulated designated trade in Nova Scotia. Individuals must hold a Certification of Qualification, be a registered apprentice, or hold a temporary work permit to legally work in this trade.