HVAC Tech Salary

Avon vs Columbus: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)

Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Avon, OH and Columbus, OH. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Avon, OH
$58,104
$27.94/hr
Columbus, OH
$63,557
$30.55/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricAvon, OHColumbus, OH
Median Salary$58,104$63,557
Hourly Rate$27.94$30.55
Entry Level (P10)$39,806$40,122
25th Percentile$46,494$48,358
75th Percentile$71,167$79,762
Top Earner (P90)$84,854$99,211
Total Employed63,000
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Avon ($58,104) and Columbus ($63,557) heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries.AvonColumbusMedian Salary$58,104$63,557Entry Level (P10)$39,806$40,122Top Earner (P90)$84,854$99,211US Median $60,174

Verdict

Columbus, OH offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Avon.

The salary gap between Avon and Columbus is $5,453 (9.38%). Columbus's median is +5.62% compared to the US national median of $60,174.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Avon spans $45,048,Columbus spans $59,089. Columbus has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.

Avon
P10 (Entry)$39,806
P25$46,494
Median$58,104
P75$71,167
P90 (Top)$84,854
Columbus
P10 (Entry)$40,122
P25$48,358
Median$63,557
P75$79,762
P90 (Top)$99,211

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Columbus ($66,573 effective) pays 3.92% more than Avon ($64,062 effective).

Avon
Nominal: $58,104
CoL Index: 90.7
Adjusted: $64,062
Columbus
Nominal: $63,557
CoL Index: 95.469
Adjusted: $66,573

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Avon if…

  • You prefer the Ohio area and lifestyle

Choose Columbus if…

  • Higher median salary ($63,557/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($99,211)
  • Larger job market (3,000 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,573)
  • 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 Avon grew 11.5% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.4% growth in Columbus over the same period.

Avon, OH

+11.5%

$50,187 (2024) → $55,966 (2025)

Columbus, OH

+20.4%

$50,840 (2019) → $61,218 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Avon or Columbus?

Columbus has a higher median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary at $63,557/year, compared to Avon at $58,104/year — a difference of $5,453 (9.38%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Avon and Columbus?

Avon heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn $27.94/hr while Columbus hygienists earn $30.55/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Avon to Columbus as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Avon and Columbus. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Avon = $64,062, Columbus = $66,573), job availability (6 vs 3,000 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Avon vs Columbus?

Entry-level (10th percentile) heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn $39,806 in Avon and $40,122 in Columbus. The Columbus area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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