What Do Mechanical Contractors Do?

What is a mechanical contractor?

• Varied scope of job duties

• Perform work on new construction, remodels, or system maintenance

Mechanical contractor responsibilities vary depending on the contractor's specialty and the job scope. At the core, mechanical contractors are responsible for all of the mechanical functions of a building, providing safety and comfort to its occupants.

Mechanical contractors employed by a mechanical construction company could work on new construction, remodels, or on system maintenance and repair, depending on the company's services.

Mechanical contractors work on a wide range of projects dealing with heating and cooling systems, including hydronic (water-circulating) systems, refrigeration, plumbing, process piping, gas piping, ductwork, electrical work, welding, and sheet metal fabrication.

In customer service positions, mechanical contractors need good communication and problem-solving skills—such as answering a customer's pricing question using ServiceTitan Pricebook Pro, an integrated, flat-rate solution simplifying pricebook management.

How much is a mechanical contractor salary?

Mechanical contractor salaries vary widely depending on education, experience, and area of expertise. One salary data company reports mechanical contractor salaries average about $78,000 per year.

Those working as construction project managers in charge of hiring subcontractors could see a median annual salary of $95,260, according to the most recent data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

An HVAC/R mechanic and installer makes an average annual salary of $48,730 per year. Plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make an average of $55,160 annually, while electricians make about $62,200 per year. 

How do I become a mechanical contractor?

• Obtain specialized experience and education

• Seek professional organizations

In the mechanical contracting industry, experience is key. Requirements vary depending on state regulations and scope of work at job sites, but most states require minimum work experience in the chosen field before taking an exam to obtain a particular contractor license.

There are several educational and professional resources for mechanical contractors. 

Those looking to begin or continue education can check out corresponding professional organizations, such as the Mechanical Contractors Association of America, which represents 2,600 firms in the United States and includes the Mechanical Service Contractors of America, Plumbing Contractors of America, and the National Certified Pipe Welding Bureau. 

For those in HVAC/R, North American Technician Excellence (NATE) and the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Association provide industry-related resources. Those working in electrical can find resources from the National Electrical Contractors Association. Regional professional associations also provide trade-specific information.

What mechanical contractor licenses do I need?

• Obtain work experience in key areas

• Know license requirements before performing work

Mechanical contractor license requirements vary by state, so it's important to know the requirements for the work you want to do.

Depending on the license, applicants typically need work experience before taking an exam. Other states require a set amount of classwork-based instruction or training.

For instance, in Michigan, mechanical contractor license applicants need three years of work experience and must pass exams in the areas they wish to work. Other states, like Alaska, require workers who install mechanical controls to also obtain electrical administrator and mechanical administrator licenses.

In researching how to study for a mechanical contractor license, see if the state licensing agency offers any recommendations for materials or code books. Some state agencies provide a list of approved companies for coursework or pre-tests. 

Of course, additional requirements exist for those setting up independent contractor businesses, such as HVAC, plumbing, or electrical. These licenses also typically require bond and liability insurance.

Why hire a mechanical contractor?

• Offer specialized expertise

• Provide installation and service

Typically, companies hire mechanical contractors to engineer and construct the mechanical parts within a building, and maintain them afterward.

Mechanical contracting companies may offer specialized services and provide maintenance servicing, repair, and 24-hour emergency service.

Others provide all-in-one construction service, managing everything from design to completion. These full-service companies employ complex mechanical, electrical and plumbing (MEP) coordination between HVAC, electricians, and plumbers to ensure effective energy efficiency in building systems. 

Often, this coordination includes Building Information Modeling (BIM), a process enabling architecture, engineering, and construction professionals to efficiently create and construct buildings and infrastructure.

What is technology's role in mechanical contracting?

• Increase in smart technology

• Utilize ServiceTitan's cloud-based software

Now more than ever, mechanical contractors must understand current technology, especially with the increased use of smart technology in commercial and residential  buildings, such as smart thermostats and low-flow water systems.

Advances in software, such as increased automation available in ServiceTitan’s construction management software, allows mechanical contractors to save customer inquiries as leads and provides additional efficiency in assigning skilled techs to jobs.

To remain on top of projects, mechanical contractor software, such as ServiceTitan's cloud-based job-costing software, allows companies to track actual vs. budgeted costs to deliver on-time results for every project. This allows the team in the field to access real-time data on rugged tablets, enabling timely troubleshooting and follow-up.

By employing strategies to deliver on-time and on-budget results for every project, mechanical contractors can establish a track record for great service, boost profits, and grow.