Colorado Springs vs Wheat Ridge: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Colorado Springs, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Colorado Springs, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $60,617▲ | $58,858 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.14▲ | $28.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,899▲ | $41,700 |
| 25th Percentile | $54,888▲ | $48,301 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,448▲ | $73,843 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,688▲ | $89,703 |
| Total Employed | 950▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Colorado Springs, CO offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheat Ridge.
The salary gap between Colorado Springs and Wheat Ridge is $1,759 (2.99%). Colorado Springs's median is +0.74% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Colorado Springs spans $46,789,Wheat Ridge spans $48,003. Wheat Ridge 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, Colorado Springs ($60,191 effective) pays 7.38% more than Wheat Ridge ($56,055 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Colorado Springs if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($60,617/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,688)
- ✓Larger job market (950 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,191)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Colorado Springs grew 18.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Colorado Springs, CO
$49,110 (2019) → $58,387 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$62,639 (2024) → $56,692 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Colorado Springs, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Colorado Springs or Wheat Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Colorado Springs and Wheat Ridge?
Should I relocate from Colorado Springs to Wheat Ridge as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Colorado Springs vs Wheat Ridge?
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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