Dearborn Heights vs Detroit: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Dearborn Heights, MI and Detroit, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Dearborn Heights, MI | Detroit, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,300 | $62,304▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.51 | $29.95▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,657 | $42,253▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $45,606 | $47,579▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $73,217 | $79,673▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $91,915 | $94,300▲ |
| Total Employed | 13 | 5,740▲ |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Dearborn Heights.
The salary gap between Dearborn Heights and Detroit is $3,004 (5.07%). Detroit's median is +3.54% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Dearborn Heights spans $54,258,Detroit spans $52,047. Dearborn Heights has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Dearborn Heights ($63,627 effective) pays 2.43% more than Detroit ($62,119 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Dearborn Heights if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,627)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Detroit if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,304/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($94,300)
- ✓Larger job market (5,740 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Dearborn Heights grew 2.2% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 35.9% growth in Detroit over the same period.
Dearborn Heights, MI
$55,877 (2024) → $57,118 (2025)
Detroit, MI
$44,160 (2019) → $60,012 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Dearborn Heights, MI
Detroit, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Dearborn Heights or Detroit?
What is the hourly rate difference between Dearborn Heights and Detroit?
Should I relocate from Dearborn Heights to Detroit as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Dearborn Heights vs Detroit?
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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