Boise City vs Boise: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Boise City, ID and Boise, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boise City, ID | Boise, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,485▲ | $52,150 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.15▲ | $25.07 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,448▲ | $31,253 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,859▲ | $38,961 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,115 | $66,752▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,436 | $80,832▲ |
| Total Employed | 2,270▲ | 60 |
Verdict
Boise City, ID offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Boise.
The salary gap between Boise City and Boise is $4,335 (8.31%). Boise City's median is -6.13% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boise City spans $38,988,Boise spans $49,579. Boise 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, Boise City ($57,409 effective) pays 4.91% more than Boise ($54,722 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boise City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,485/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,270 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $57,409)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Boise if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,832)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Boise City grew 23.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -5.8% growth in Boise over the same period.
Boise City, ID
$44,130 (2019) → $54,407 (2025)
Boise, ID
$53,343 (2024) → $50,231 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boise City, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Boise City or Boise?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boise City and Boise?
Should I relocate from Boise City to Boise as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Boise City vs Boise?
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