What Does a Mechanical Contractor Do?

Sub-contractors are responsible for working on specific aspect or features of construction on a new building or one being remodeled. Mechanical contractors are part of a team of professional sub-contractors required to complete projects.

Function

Mechanical contractors are the professionals responsible for the installation of plumbing, heating, cooling, air-conditioning, refrigeration and ventilation systems.

Types

Some mechanical contractors specialize in one particular type of new construction or remodeling, such as residences like houses, commercial buildings like retail establishments and office buildings, institutions like schools and hospitals, or industrial buildings like factories or power plants.

Features

Before beginning a job, a mechanical contractor estimates in writing how long it will take to complete a particular job and how much it will cost, and then must complete all required work according to that schedule and in that price range.

Requirement

The average length of training that a mechanical contractor receives varies from six months to two years of classroom work or a three- to five-year apprenticeship. Some states require mechanical contractors to obtain a license, which is often done through the completion of a written exam.

Compensation

As of December 2009, the average annual salary for mechanical contractors was $70,000, according to Indeed.com.

References

• U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Heating, Air-Conditioning and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
• Mechanical Contractors Association of Metropolitan Washington: Who is a Mechanical Contractor?
• Indeed.com: Mechanical Contractor Salaries