Carrollton vs San Antonio: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Carrollton, TX and San Antonio, TX. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Carrollton, TX | San Antonio, TX |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,768 | $57,787▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.93 | $27.78▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,428 | $37,440▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,435 | $45,912▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,730 | $72,996▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,140 | $81,270▲ |
| Total Employed | 20 | 3,160▲ |
Verdict
San Antonio, TX offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Carrollton.
The salary gap between Carrollton and San Antonio is $8,019 (16.11%). San Antonio's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Carrollton spans $46,712,San Antonio spans $43,830. Carrollton 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, San Antonio ($61,011 effective) pays 17.69% more than Carrollton ($51,842 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Carrollton if…
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Choose San Antonio if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,787/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($81,270)
- ✓Larger job market (3,160 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,011)
- ✓You prefer the Texas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Carrollton grew -11.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 11.0% growth in San Antonio over the same period.
Carrollton, TX
$54,417 (2024) → $47,937 (2025)
San Antonio, TX
$50,160 (2019) → $55,661 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Carrollton, TX
San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Carrollton or San Antonio?
What is the hourly rate difference between Carrollton and San Antonio?
Should I relocate from Carrollton to San Antonio as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Carrollton vs San Antonio?
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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