Coeur d'Alene vs Post Falls: 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 Post Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Coeur d'Alene, ID | Post Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,994▲ | $48,358 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.89▲ | $23.25 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,835▲ | $34,179 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,786▲ | $39,624 |
| 75th Percentile | $72,818▲ | $58,796 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,768▲ | $73,603 |
| Total Employed | 570▲ | 9 |
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 Post Falls.
The salary gap between Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls is $9,636 (19.93%). 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,Post Falls spans $39,424. Post Falls 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 16.27% more than Post Falls ($50,743 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 Post Falls 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 -5.8% growth in Post Falls over the same period.
Coeur d'Alene, ID
$43,600 (2019) → $55,860 (2025)
Post Falls, ID
$49,465 (2024) → $46,579 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Coeur d'Alene, ID
Post Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Coeur d'Alene or Post Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Coeur d'Alene and Post Falls?
Should I relocate from Coeur d'Alene to Post Falls 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 Post Falls?
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