Fort Collins vs Wheat Ridge: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Fort Collins, CO and Wheat Ridge, CO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Collins, CO | Wheat Ridge, CO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $65,382▲ | $58,858 |
| Hourly Rate | $31.44▲ | $28.30 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,618▲ | $41,700 |
| 25th Percentile | $58,813▲ | $48,301 |
| 75th Percentile | $102,673▲ | $73,843 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $103,580▲ | $89,703 |
| Total Employed | 930▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Fort Collins, CO offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Wheat Ridge.
The salary gap between Fort Collins and Wheat Ridge is $6,524 (11.08%). Fort Collins's median is +8.65% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Collins spans $55,962,Wheat Ridge spans $48,003. Fort Collins 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, Fort Collins ($64,653 effective) pays 15.34% more than Wheat Ridge ($56,055 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Collins if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($65,382/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($103,580)
- ✓Larger job market (930 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,653)
- ✓You prefer the Colorado area and lifestyle
Choose Wheat Ridge if…
- ✓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 Fort Collins grew 17.2% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Wheat Ridge over the same period.
Fort Collins, CO
$53,740 (2019) → $62,976 (2025)
Wheat Ridge, CO
$62,639 (2024) → $56,692 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Collins, CO
Wheat Ridge, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Fort Collins or Wheat Ridge?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Collins and Wheat Ridge?
Should I relocate from Fort Collins to Wheat Ridge as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Fort Collins vs Wheat Ridge?
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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