Butte vs Missoula: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Butte, MT and Missoula, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Butte, MT | Missoula, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,657▲ | $59,414 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.69▲ | $28.56 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,322 | $43,890▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $48,353▲ | $47,598 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,546▲ | $72,058 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,070▲ | $74,820 |
| Total Employed | 7 | 180▲ |
Verdict
Butte, MT offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Missoula.
The salary gap between Butte and Missoula is $243 (0.41%). Butte's median is -0.86% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Butte spans $53,748,Missoula spans $30,930. Butte 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, Butte ($62,014 effective) pays 0.66% more than Missoula ($61,604 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Butte if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,657/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,070)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,014)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Missoula if…
- ✓Larger job market (180 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Butte grew 6.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 25.6% growth in Missoula over the same period.
Butte, MT
$54,224 (2024) → $57,462 (2025)
Missoula, MT
$45,570 (2019) → $57,228 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Missoula, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Butte or Missoula?
What is the hourly rate difference between Butte and Missoula?
Should I relocate from Butte to Missoula as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Butte vs Missoula?
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