Fairmont vs Huntington: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Fairmont, WV and Huntington, WV. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fairmont, WV | Huntington, WV |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $44,844 | $48,190▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $21.56 | $23.17▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,633 | $35,289▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $37,273 | $40,369▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $55,280 | $60,115▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $66,063 | $72,394▲ |
| Total Employed | 4 | 360▲ |
Verdict
Huntington, WV offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Fairmont.
The salary gap between Fairmont and Huntington is $3,346 (7.46%). Huntington's median is -19.92% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fairmont spans $33,430,Huntington spans $37,105. Huntington 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, Huntington ($54,500 effective) pays 5.13% more than Fairmont ($51,843 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fairmont if…
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Huntington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($48,190/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,394)
- ✓Larger job market (360 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,500)
- ✓You prefer the West Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Fairmont grew 11.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 7.3% growth in Huntington over the same period.
Fairmont, WV
$38,637 (2024) → $43,194 (2025)
Huntington, WV
$43,270 (2019) → $46,417 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fairmont, WV
Huntington, WV
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Fairmont or Huntington?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fairmont and Huntington?
Should I relocate from Fairmont to Huntington as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Fairmont vs Huntington?
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