Plumbing, Heating, & Air-conditioning Contractors
Key Figures
Figures are published for NAICS 23822 directly.
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Official definition
This industry comprises establishments primarily engaged in installing and servicing plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning equipment. Contractors in this industry may provide both parts and labor when performing work. The work performed may include new work, additions, alterations, maintenance, and repairs.
Source: US Census Bureau, 2017 NAICS Definitions. Public domain. Census publishes this definition under NAICS 238220, the only detailed industry in this group.
Illustrative examples
- Cooling tower installation
- Heating, ventilation, and air-conditioning (HVAC) contractors
- Duct work (e.g., cooling, dust collection, exhaust, heating, ventilation) installation
- Lawn sprinkler system installation
- Fire sprinkler system installation
- Mechanical contractors
- Fireplace, natural gas, installation
- Refrigeration system (e.g., commercial, industrial, scientific) installation
- Furnace installation
- Sewer hookup and connection, building
Which code does this activity belong in?
Plumbing, heating, and air-conditioning contractors install and service equipment for climate control, water distribution, and related systems in buildings. These establishments perform new installation, maintenance, and repair work while often providing both materials and labor. This code excludes electrical wiring installation, which is classified in Electrical Contractors and Other Wiring Installation Contractors, and excludes installation of other building equipment systems not primarily related to plumbing, heating, or air-conditioning, which falls under Other Building Equipment Contractors.
Written for NAICS 238220, the only detailed industry in this group.
Where this sits
Related classifications
Related guides
What is an HVAC business worth? The average US contractor books $2.72M a year (Census EC 2022) on a 5.7% corporate net margin (IRS SOI 2022).
Verified construction industry trends from federal data. 8.3M+ workers (BLS, 2024). Employment, material costs, technology, and market outlook for US
Average construction worker wage data from federal sources. $28.06/hr median (BLS OES, 2024). Wage trends, regional pay data, and trade specialty breakdowns.
HVAC technician median wage is $28.75/hr (BLS OEWS, 2024). Pay by specialization and certification, what affects it, and how HVAC compares to other trades.
Get verified average plumber salary data from federal sources. Median Plumber Hourly Wage: $30.27/hr (BLS OEWS, May 2024).