Boulder vs Colorado Springs: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Boulder, CO and Colorado Springs, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Boulder, CO | Colorado Springs, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,105▲ | $60,617 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.70▲ | $29.14 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,230▲ | $46,899 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,098▲ | $54,888 |
| 75th Percentile | $88,273▲ | $76,448 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $112,112▲ | $93,688 |
| Total Employed | 340 | 950▲ |
Verdict
Boulder, CO offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Colorado Springs.
The salary gap between Boulder and Colorado Springs is $9,488 (15.65%). Boulder's median is +16.50% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Boulder spans $63,882,Colorado Springs spans $46,789. Boulder has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Boulder ($66,638 effective) pays 10.71% more than Colorado Springs ($60,191 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Boulder if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,105/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,112)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,638)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Boulder grew 10.3% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 18.9% growth in Colorado Springs over the same period.
Boulder, CO
$61,230 (2019) → $67,526 (2025)
Colorado Springs, CO
$49,110 (2019) → $58,387 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Boulder, CO
Colorado Springs, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Boulder or Colorado Springs?
What is the hourly rate difference between Boulder and Colorado Springs?
Should I relocate from Boulder to Colorado Springs as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Boulder vs Colorado Springs?
Related Comparisons
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