Fort Smith vs Rogers: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Fort Smith, AR and Rogers, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Rogers, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,500 | $53,750▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $22.84 | $25.84▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,526▲ | $34,737 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,863 | $41,792▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $56,781 | $67,995▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,567 | $83,312▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 11 |
Verdict
Rogers, AR offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Fort Smith.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Rogers is $6,250 (13.16%). Rogers's median is -10.68% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Smith spans $28,041,Rogers spans $48,575. Rogers 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, Rogers ($61,853 effective) pays 11.84% more than Fort Smith ($55,305 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Rogers if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($53,750/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($83,312)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $61,853)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas 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 Smith grew 25.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.7% growth in Rogers over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$36,480 (2019) → $45,752 (2025)
Rogers, AR
$40,222 (2024) → $51,772 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Rogers, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Fort Smith or Rogers?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Rogers?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Rogers 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 Smith vs Rogers?
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