Anlagenmechaniker/Anlagenmechanikerin für Sanitär-, Heizungs- und Klimatechnik

Plant mechanics for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning technology are trained in the dual system. Learning locations are the training company (usually installation companies for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning technology): workshops, production halls, construction sites, and the Berufsschule (vocational school): classrooms. If companies cannot provide all required training content, parts of the Ausbildung (vocational training) can be relocated to inter-company training centers.

Occupation type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Type of training: Dual Ausbildung (vocational training) in industry and crafts (regulated by training ordinance). Training duration: 3.5 years. Learning locations: Training company and Berufsschule (vocational school) (dual Ausbildung). What does one do in this profession? Plant mechanics for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning technology install water and air supply systems, install and connect washbasins, shower cabins, toilets, and other sanitary facilities. As sustainable supply and disposal systems, they install, among other things, systems for rainwater and greywater utilization. They also assemble heating systems, set up heating boilers, and commission them. In their activities, they process pipes, sheets, and profiles made of metal or plastic with machines or manually. In addition, they install energy-efficient and environmentally friendly systems such as solar systems, heat pumps, and wood pellet systems in buildings. After assembly, they check whether the systems function properly and are optimally adjusted.

Job title: Plant mechanic for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning technology. Occupation type: Recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation. Training duration: 3.5 years. What does one do in this profession? Plant mechanics for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning technology install water and air supply systems, install and connect washbasins, shower cabins, toilets, and other sanitary facilities. As sustainable supply and disposal systems, they install, among other things, systems for rainwater and greywater utilization. They also assemble heating systems, set up heating boilers, and commission them. In their activities, they process pipes, sheets, and profiles made of metal or plastic with machines or manually. In addition, they install energy-efficient and environmentally friendly systems such as solar systems, heat pumps, and wood pellet systems in buildings. After assembly, they check whether the systems function properly and are optimally adjusted. They install building management systems such as Smart-Home.

3.5 years

The Ausbildung (vocational training) is carried out in parallel in the training company and in the Berufsschule (vocational school). Vocational school lessons take place on specific weekdays or in block form. Excerpt from the training framework plan and the framework curriculum: 1st to 18th month of training: Training in the company and, if necessary, in inter-company courses: Testing and measuring of plants and plant components, joining, manual cutting, machining, and forming, mechanical processing, maintenance of operating equipment, installation of electrical modules and components in supply technology systems, assembly and disassembly of pipelines and ducts, assembly, disassembly, and transport of supply technology systems, implementation of hygiene measures, consideration of building physics, building ecology, and economic framework conditions, planning and controlling work processes, and evaluating work results. 1st and 2nd year of training: Training in the Berufsschule (vocational school).

No costs are incurred for the Ausbildung (vocational training). The training company provides the necessary training materials for the practical part of the training and pays the examination fees. Unless otherwise regulated, the Auszubildende (vocational trainees) must bear the costs of learning materials for lessons in the Berufsschule (vocational school) and for work clothing themselves. In addition, costs may arise if training facilities are far from the place of residence. Funding opportunities: In certain life situations, Auszubildende (vocational trainees) can receive Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (vocational training allowance). Further information: Berufsausbildungsbeihilfe (BAB).

During the vocational training (Ausbildung), apprentices learn, for example, how to perform measurements with various measuring tools and how to test analog and digital signals. They also learn how to join sheets and pipes using fusion welding and apply plastic welding processes, how to set machine values, and how to use coolants and lubricants. The curriculum also covers how to maintain and environmentally clean supply systems, how to install and connect components and electrical conductors, how to prepare, lay, fasten pipes and ducts, and how to install fittings. They learn how to check the suitability of locations for fireplaces, how to carry out insulation and sealing measures, how to install or integrate supply and disposal systems, what sustainable supply and disposal systems exist, and how to use them. Finally, they acquire knowledge on how to receive orders, instruct system operators on how to use systems, and hand over systems to customers. Knowledge on these topics is gained throughout the entire training.

One should be prepared for the following conditions and requirements: In the company (Betrieb), practical participation (under guidance) is expected; for example, cutting pipes, installing shower cabins, insulating pipelines, and performing plastic bonding work. The environment is variable: work can be in workshops with machine noise, on construction sites in varying weather conditions, or in customers' living spaces. Protective clothing (e.g., helmet, safety shoes, hearing protection, possibly welding shield and goggles) is mandatory. Working hours may sometimes include on-call duty. Requirements include manual dexterity and hand-eye coordination (e.g., when assembling, maintaining, and repairing supply and disposal systems), conscientiousness (e.g., when installing gas supply lines), body control and freedom from vertigo (e.g., when working on ladders and scaffolding), technical understanding (e.g., understanding complex building supply systems), teamwork, and good physical constitution.

Apprentices can complete parts of their vocational training (Ausbildung) abroad. For example, they can undertake internships in various European countries. This can be an international internship as part of the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" and lasts at least 3 weeks. The prerequisite for access is a secondary school leaving certificate. Further information on the additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is available.

The vocational training allowance (Ausbildungsvergütung) for a dual vocational training (duale Ausbildung) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Apprentices must be granted an appropriate remuneration. If the training takes place in a school-based form (e.g., at a vocational school or as a basic vocational training year (BGJ) in the 1st year of training), no training allowance is paid. Example salaries for heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 724 € to 1,054 €, 2nd year of training: 854 € to 1,165 €, 3rd year of training: 977 € to 1,254 €, 4th year of training: 1,014 € to 1,299 €. Example salaries for technical building equipment (monthly gross - depending on the federal state (Bundesland)): 1st year of training: 830 € to 1,090 €, 2nd year of training: 890 € to 1,190 €, 3rd year of training: 977 € to 1,290 €, 4th year of training: 1,020 € to 1,390 €. Sources: Collective bargaining information from the federal and state (Bundesland) governments (e.g., Federal Ministry of Labour and Social Affairs, WSI-Tarifarchiv, Tarifar).

In-depth knowledge in the following school subjects are good prerequisites for successful vocational training (Ausbildung): Manual Arts/Technology: e.g., to learn metalworking and joining techniques. Mathematics: e.g., to calculate the demand for pipes for the installation of a heating system. Physics: e.g., to understand physical laws and relationships. German: e.g., to inform customers about products.

The additional qualification "Electrician for Specified Activities" authorizes individuals to perform certain tasks during the commissioning and maintenance of electrical systems or machines. For this, apprentices acquire theoretical and practical qualifications in electrical engineering. The responsible Chamber of Industry and Commerce (IHK) or Chamber of Skilled Crafts (Handwerkskammer) provides further information, e.g.: IHK Nürnberg für Mittelfranken - Elektrofachkraft für festgelegte Tätigkeiten. The additional qualification "Europaassistent/in" is aimed at apprentices with at least a secondary school leaving certificate. It expands the initial training with intercultural competencies and offers apprentices the opportunity to improve their foreign language skills. For this, apprentices attend additional vocational school (Berufsschule) classes, e.g., in European Commercial and Economic Law, and complete a several-week internship abroad. The responsible chamber provides further information, e.g.: Eur.

The following Ausbildung (vocational training) alternatives are available for the occupation of Plant Mechanic for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology: In the Supply and Installation sector: Plant Mechanic, Plumber, Mechatronics Technician for Refrigeration Technology, Stove and Air Heating Installer, Pipeline Builder for Infrastructure Technology, Pipeline Builder. Commonality: installing and maintaining building and supply technical systems. In the Machine and Plant Construction sector: Container and Apparatus Builder, Construction Mechanic. Commonality: processing sheet metal, performing welding work.

In 1956, the occupation of Boiler and Container Builder was recognized. In 1989, the craft metal occupations were reorganized, and the Ausbildung (vocational training) content of both Gas and Water Installer and Central Heating and Ventilation Installer occupations was revised. In 1998, the crafts of Gas and Water Installer and Central Heating and Ventilation Installer were merged into the Installer and Heating Installer craft. In 2003, a new occupational profile for Plant Mechanic for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology was created. This included restructured Ausbildung (vocational training) content, such as a strong service orientation. The predecessor occupations of Gas and Water Installer and Central Heating and Ventilation Installer were abolished. In 2016, a new, modernized Ausbildung (vocational training) regulation came into force with the following fields of application: Sanitary Technology, Heating Technology, Ventilation and Air Conditioning Technology, or Renewable Energies and Environmental Technology. The final or journeyman's examination is now conducted in two parts at different times. In 2020, new regulations were introduced.

Plant Mechanic for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology is a 3.5-year recognized Ausbildung (vocational training) occupation in industry and craft.

Qualification title: Plant Mechanic for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildungen (vocational training programs) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act regarding minimum remuneration. Example for Heating, Air Conditioning and Sanitary Technology (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,000 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,050 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,150 €, 4th Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,250 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (BMAS), as of September 2025. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements are currently available. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual Ausbildung (vocational training) is paid by the training company and, for companies bound by collective agreements, is based on collective bargaining agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for Ausbildungen (vocational training programs) starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act regarding minimum remuneration. Example for Heating, Air Conditioning and Sanitary Technology (monthly gross): 1st Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 830 €, 2nd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 930 €, 3rd Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,010 €, 4th Ausbildung (vocational training) year: 1,080 €. Source: Joint Collective Bargaining Registers Berlin and Brandenburg, as of September 2025. In the field of technical building equipment, no collective bargaining agreements are currently available. Note: This information is for orientation purposes. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. A reasonable remuneration must be granted to trainees. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology (monthly gross): 1st year: 930 €, 2nd year: 1.010 €, 3rd year: 1.070 €, 4th year: 1.170 €. Source: Tarifregister Bremen, as of January 2026. In the field of technical building equipment, there are currently no collective bargaining agreements. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. A reasonable remuneration must be granted to trainees. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology (monthly gross): 1st year: 1.008 €, 2nd year: 1.060 €, 3rd year: 1.163 €, 4th year: 1.266 €. Source: IG Metall, as of January 2026. For example, in technical building equipment (monthly gross): 1st year: 1.000 €, 2nd year: 1.060 €, 3rd year: 1.115 €, 4th year: 1.200 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of September 2024. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. A reasonable remuneration must be granted to trainees. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology (monthly gross): 1st year: 1.054 €, 2nd year: 1.165 €, 3rd year: 1.254 €, 4th year: 1.299 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of August 2025. For example, in technical building equipment (monthly gross): 1st year: 1.004 €, 2nd year: 1.115 €, 3rd year: 1.204 €, 4th year: 1.249 €. Source: IG Metall, as of August 2024. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. A reasonable remuneration must be granted to trainees. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology (monthly gross): 1st year: 900 €, 2nd year: 950 €, 3rd year: 1.000 €, 4th year: 1.050 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of August 2025. In the field of technical building equipment, there are currently no collective bargaining agreements. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, this remuneration is determined by collective bargaining agreements. A reasonable remuneration must be granted to trainees. The appropriateness of an Ausbildung remuneration for training programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) concerning minimum remuneration. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology (monthly gross): 1st year: 800 €, 2nd year: 900 €, 3rd year: 1.000 €, 4th year: 1.100 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of July 2025. In the field of technical building equipment, there are currently no collective bargaining agreements. Note: This information is for orientation only. No claims can be derived from it.

Improve opportunities with additional qualifications. Future plant mechanics for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning technology can gain a good starting position by acquiring additional qualifications during their Ausbildung (vocational training), for example, as an 'Electrician for Specified Activities' or in European commercial and economic law through the additional qualification 'Europe Assistant'. Find the right employment. After their Ausbildung, plant mechanics for sanitary, heating, and air conditioning technology work, for example, in supply technology installation companies or for heating and air conditioning system manufacturers. Ensure employability. Through adaptive further training, one can keep their specialized knowledge up-to-date, bring it to the latest standard, and expand it. The range of topics extends from pipe fitting to electrical measurement, control, and regulation technology. Advance professionally. Upward-focused further training helps to advance professionally and achieve leadership positions.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration in Thüringen for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of the training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, the monthly gross remuneration for heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology is: 1st year: 900 €, 2nd year: 950 €, 3rd year: 1,000 €, 4th year: 1,050 €. Source: Tarifregister Thüringen, as of August 2025. Currently, there are no collective agreements in the field of technical building equipment. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration in Brandenburg for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of the training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, the monthly gross remuneration for heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology is: 1st year: 724 €, 2nd year: 854 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,014 €. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of January 2026. Currently, there are no collective agreements in the field of technical building equipment. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

In 2024, there were 14,058 new Ausbildung (vocational training) starters in the skilled trades (Handwerk) sector. 45 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate (mittlerer Bildungsabschluss), and 38 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss (basic secondary school leaving certificate). 12 percent had the Hochschulreife (university entrance qualification), and 3 percent could not provide a Hauptschulabschluss. Of the 2024 new starters, 3% were without a Hauptschulabschluss, 38% had a Hauptschulabschluss, 45% had a secondary school leaving certificate, 12% had Hochschulreife, and 2% were in other categories. The Hauptschulabschluss may also be referred to by different names depending on the Bundesland (federal state). In the industry and trade sector, there were 72 new Ausbildung starters. 49 percent had a secondary school leaving certificate, 28 percent had a Hauptschulabschluss. 15 percent had Hochschulreife, and 4 percent could not provide a Hauptschulabschluss.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration in Niedersachsen for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of the training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, the monthly gross remuneration for heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology is: 1st year: 930 €, 2nd year: 1,040 €, 3rd year: 1,110 €, 4th year: 1,205 €. Source: IG Metall, as of January 2026. For technical building equipment, the monthly gross remuneration is: 1st year: 990 €, 2nd year: 1,075 €, 3rd year: 1,150 €, 4th year: 1,225 €. Source: IG Metall, as of May 2026. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration in Sachsen-Anhalt for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of the training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, the monthly gross remuneration for heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology is: 1st year: 900 €, 2nd year: 950 €, 3rd year: 1,000 €, 4th year: 1,050 €. Source: Tarifregister Sachsen-Anhalt, as of August 2025. Currently, there are no collective agreements in the field of technical building equipment. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

The Ausbildung (vocational training) remuneration in Rheinland-Pfalz for a dual training program is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the remuneration is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of the training remuneration for programs starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Berufsbildungsgesetz (Vocational Training Act) via the minimum remuneration. For example, the monthly gross remuneration for heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology is: 1st year: 830 €, 2nd year: 880 €, 3rd year: 977 €, 4th year: 1,020 €. Source: IG Metall, as of January 2026. Currently, there are no collective agreements in the field of technical building equipment. This information is for orientation purposes only, and no claims can be derived from it.

During the Ausbildung (vocational training), specialization occurs in at least one of the following areas: sanitary technology, heating technology, ventilation and air conditioning technology, renewable energies, and environmental technology.

Legal regulations and recommendations for the Ausbildung exist. These include the Ordinance on Vocational Training for Plant Mechanics for Sanitary, Heating and Air Conditioning Technology (SHKAMAusbV) from April 28, 2016, and the Framework Curriculum Plan (Beschluss der Kultusministerkonferenz) adopted by the Conference of Ministers of Education and Cultural Affairs on January 29, 2016.

The Ausbildungsvergütung (training allowance) for a duale Ausbildung (dual vocational training) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum allowance. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology, the monthly gross allowances are: 1st year 925 €, 2nd year 1,000 €, 3rd year 1,180 €, 4th year 1,280 €. In technical building equipment, they are: 1st year 1,090 €, 2nd year 1,190 €, 3rd year 1,290 €, 4th year 1,390 €. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS) and IG Metall, as of September 2025.

The Ausbildungsvergütung for a duale Ausbildung is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum allowance. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology, the monthly gross allowances are: 1st year 850 €, 2nd year 920 €, 3rd year 1,000 €, 4th year 1,080 €. Currently, there are no collective agreements in the field of technical building equipment. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them. Source: Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales (BMAS), as of August 2025.

Legally, no specific prior education is required.

The Ausbildungsvergütung for a duale Ausbildung is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by these agreements. Trainees must be granted an appropriate allowance. For training starting in 2020 and later, the appropriateness of the allowance is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) regarding the minimum allowance. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology, the monthly gross allowances are: 1st year 937 €, 2nd year 964 €, 3rd year 1,061 €, 4th year 1,120 €. In technical building equipment, they are: 1st year 830 €, 2nd year 890 €, 3rd year 977 €, 4th year 1,020 €. These figures are for orientation only; no claims can be derived from them. Source: IG Metall, as of March 2026 and January 2026.

The training allowance for a dual vocational training (Ausbildung) is paid by the training company. For companies bound by collective agreements, the allowance is determined by collective bargaining agreements. Trainees (Auszubildende) must be granted an appropriate remuneration. The appropriateness of a training allowance for trainings starting in 2020 and later is regulated by the Vocational Training Act (Berufsbildungsgesetz) via the minimum remuneration. For example, in heating, air conditioning, and sanitary technology (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 950 €, 2nd year of training: 1,000 €, 3rd year of training: 1,050 €, 4th year of training: 1,100 €. Source: Federal Ministry of Labor and Social Affairs (Bundesministerium für Arbeit und Soziales - BMAS), as of September 2024. For example, in technical building equipment (monthly gross): 1st year of training: 1,000 €, 2nd year of training: 1,050 €, 3rd year of training: 1,100 €, 4th year of training: 1,150 €. Source: Collective Bargaining Register of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern (Bundesland), as of November 2025. Note: This information is for orientation purposes only. No claims can be derived from it.