Denver vs Fort Collins: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Denver, CO and Fort Collins, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Denver, CO | Fort Collins, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,599▲ | $65,382 |
| Hourly Rate | $33.94▲ | $31.44 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,339▲ | $47,618 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,270 | $58,813▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,151 | $102,673▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,442 | $103,580▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,360▲ | 930 |
Verdict
Denver, CO offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Collins.
The salary gap between Denver and Fort Collins is $5,217 (7.98%). Denver's median is +17.32% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Denver spans $55,103,Fort Collins spans $55,962. Fort Collins 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, Denver ($66,740 effective) pays 3.23% more than Fort Collins ($64,653 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Denver if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($70,599/year)
- ✓Larger job market (4,360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,740)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,580)
- ✓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 Denver grew 24.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 17.2% growth in Fort Collins over the same period.
Denver, CO
$54,810 (2019) → $68,001 (2025)
Fort Collins, CO
$53,740 (2019) → $62,976 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Denver, CO
Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Denver or Fort Collins?
What is the hourly rate difference between Denver and Fort Collins?
Should I relocate from Denver to Fort Collins as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Denver vs Fort Collins?
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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