Coeur d'Alene vs Pocatello: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Coeur d'Alene, ID and Pocatello, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Pocatello, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,994▲ | $50,242 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.89▲ | $24.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,835▲ | $36,690 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,786▲ | $44,206 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,818▲ | $72,759 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,768▲ | $80,472 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 190 |
Verdict
Coeur d'Alene, ID offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Pocatello.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello is $7,752 (15.43%). Coeur d'Alene's median is -3.62% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Coeur d'Alene spans $37,933,Pocatello spans $43,782. Pocatello 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, Coeur d'Alene ($59,001 effective) pays 4.41% more than Pocatello ($56,511 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Coeur d'Alene if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,994/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,768)
- ✓Larger job market (570 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,001)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Pocatello if…
- ✓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 Coeur d'Alene grew 28.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 30.2% growth in Pocatello over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$43,600 (2019) → $55,860 (2025)
Pocatello, ID
$37,160 (2019) → $48,393 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Pocatello, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Coeur d'Alene or Pocatello?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Pocatello?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Pocatello as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Coeur d'Alene vs Pocatello?
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