Columbia vs Hilton Head Island: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Columbia, SC and Hilton Head Island, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Columbia, SC | Hilton Head Island, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,821 | $57,481▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.33 | $27.64▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,919▲ | $38,555 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,243 | $47,736▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,827 | $63,418▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,818 | $73,597▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,220▲ | 420 |
Verdict
Hilton Head Island, SC offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Columbia.
The salary gap between Columbia and Hilton Head Island is $660 (1.16%). Hilton Head Island's median is -4.48% 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,Hilton Head Island spans $35,042. Hilton Head Island 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 3.45% more than Hilton Head Island ($58,644 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Columbia if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,220 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,666)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose Hilton Head Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,481/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,597)
- ✓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 24.3% growth in Hilton Head Island over the same period.
Columbia, SC
$43,370 (2019) → $54,730 (2025)
Hilton Head Island, SC
$44,530 (2019) → $55,366 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Columbia, SC
Hilton Head Island, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Columbia or Hilton Head Island?
What is the hourly rate difference between Columbia and Hilton Head Island?
Should I relocate from Columbia to Hilton Head Island 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 Hilton Head Island?
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