Detroit vs St. Clair Shores: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Detroit, MI and St. Clair Shores, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Detroit, MI | St. Clair Shores, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,304▲ | $58,995 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.95▲ | $28.36 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,253▲ | $39,728 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,579▲ | $47,252 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,673▲ | $75,513 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,300▲ | $91,442 |
| Total Employed | 5,740▲ | 13 |
Verdict
Detroit, MI offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to St. Clair Shores.
The salary gap between Detroit and St. Clair Shores is $3,309 (5.61%). 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 Detroit spans $52,047,St. Clair Shores spans $51,714. Detroit 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, St. Clair Shores ($63,299 effective) pays 1.90% 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 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
Choose St. Clair Shores if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,299)
- ✓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 Detroit grew 35.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in St. Clair Shores over the same period.
Detroit, MI
$44,160 (2019) → $60,012 (2025)
St. Clair Shores, MI
$55,589 (2024) → $56,824 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Detroit, MI
St. Clair Shores, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Detroit or St. Clair Shores?
What is the hourly rate difference between Detroit and St. Clair Shores?
Should I relocate from Detroit to St. Clair Shores as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Detroit vs St. Clair Shores?
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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