Des Moines vs West Des Moines: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Des Moines, IA and West Des Moines, IA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Des Moines, IA | West Des Moines, IA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,781▲ | $60,983 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.69▲ | $29.32 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,389▲ | $41,434 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,861▲ | $47,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $78,982▲ | $77,421 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $97,110▲ | $94,523 |
| Total Employed | 900▲ | 16 |
Verdict
Des Moines, IA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to West Des Moines.
The salary gap between Des Moines and West Des Moines is $798 (1.31%). Des Moines's median is +2.67% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Des Moines spans $51,721,West Des Moines spans $53,089. West Des Moines 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, West Des Moines ($67,459 effective) pays 0.13% more than Des Moines ($67,372 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Des Moines if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,781/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($97,110)
- ✓Larger job market (900 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Choose West Des Moines if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,459)
- ✓You prefer the Iowa area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Des Moines grew 10.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.6% growth in West Des Moines over the same period.
Des Moines, IA
$54,040 (2019) → $59,508 (2025)
West Des Moines, IA
$51,237 (2024) → $58,739 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Des Moines, IA
West Des Moines, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Des Moines or West Des Moines?
What is the hourly rate difference between Des Moines and West Des Moines?
Should I relocate from Des Moines to West Des Moines as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Des Moines vs West Des Moines?
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