Bowling Green vs Owensboro: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Bowling Green, KY and Owensboro, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bowling Green, KY | Owensboro, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $54,473 | $59,237▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $26.19 | $28.49▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,702 | $45,685▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $46,662 | $50,883▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,657 | $74,840▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,242 | $79,920▲ |
| Total Employed | 230▲ | 160 |
Verdict
Owensboro, KY offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Bowling Green.
The salary gap between Bowling Green and Owensboro is $4,764 (8.75%). Owensboro's median is -1.56% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bowling Green spans $34,540,Owensboro spans $34,235. Bowling Green 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, Owensboro ($66,851 effective) pays 10.67% more than Bowling Green ($60,405 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bowling Green if…
- ✓Larger job market (230 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Owensboro if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,237/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,920)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,851)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Bowling Green grew 25.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 26.5% growth in Owensboro over the same period.
Bowling Green, KY
$41,930 (2019) → $52,469 (2025)
Owensboro, KY
$45,110 (2019) → $57,057 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bowling Green, KY
Owensboro, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Bowling Green or Owensboro?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bowling Green and Owensboro?
Should I relocate from Bowling Green to Owensboro as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Bowling Green vs Owensboro?
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