Columbia vs Goose Creek: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Columbia, SC and Goose Creek, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Goose Creek, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,821▲ | $54,965 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.33▲ | $26.42 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,919▲ | $38,761 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,243▲ | $43,752 |
| 75th Percentile | $62,827 | $68,831▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,818 | $83,557▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Columbia, SC offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Goose Creek.
The salary gap between Columbia and Goose Creek is $1,856 (3.38%). Columbia's median is -5.57% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Columbia spans $33,899,Goose Creek spans $44,796. Goose Creek 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, Columbia ($60,666 effective) pays 0.99% more than Goose Creek ($60,071 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($56,821/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,666)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Goose Creek if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,557)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Columbia grew 26.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.5% growth in Goose Creek over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$43,370 (2019) → $54,730 (2025)
Goose Creek, SC
$43,932 (2024) → $52,943 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Goose Creek, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Columbia or Goose Creek?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Goose Creek?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Goose Creek as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Columbia vs Goose Creek?
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