Athens vs Cleveland: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Athens, OH and Cleveland, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Athens, OH | Cleveland, OH |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,510 | $61,930▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.17 | $29.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,091▲ | $38,682 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,493 | $49,345▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $69,472 | $77,286▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $82,943 | $96,963▲ |
| Total Employed | 5 | 2,610▲ |
Verdict
Cleveland, OH offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Athens.
The salary gap between Athens and Cleveland is $5,420 (9.59%). Cleveland's median is +2.92% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Athens spans $43,852,Cleveland spans $58,281. Cleveland has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Cleveland ($65,937 effective) pays 5.83% more than Athens ($62,304 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Athens if…
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Choose Cleveland if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,930/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,963)
- ✓Larger job market (2,610 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,937)
- ✓You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Athens grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 16.9% growth in Cleveland over the same period.
Athens, OH
$48,811 (2024) → $54,431 (2025)
Cleveland, OH
$51,030 (2019) → $59,651 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Athens, OH
Cleveland, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Athens or Cleveland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Athens and Cleveland?
Should I relocate from Athens to Cleveland as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Athens vs Cleveland?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov