Fort Smith vs Sherwood: 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 Sherwood, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Smith, AR | Sherwood, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,500▲ | $45,997 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.84▲ | $22.11 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,526▲ | $29,530 |
| 25th Percentile | $40,863▲ | $37,268 |
| 75th Percentile | $56,781 | $58,235▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $63,567 | $70,967▲ |
| Total Employed | 410▲ | 7 |
Verdict
Fort Smith, AR offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Sherwood.
The salary gap between Fort Smith and Sherwood is $1,503 (3.27%). Fort Smith's median is -21.06% 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,Sherwood spans $41,437. Sherwood 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, Fort Smith ($55,305 effective) pays 4.48% more than Sherwood ($52,931 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Smith if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,500/year)
- ✓Larger job market (410 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,305)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Sherwood if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($70,967)
- ✓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 14.1% growth in Sherwood over the same period.
Fort Smith, AR
$36,480 (2019) → $45,752 (2025)
Sherwood, AR
$38,838 (2024) → $44,305 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Smith, AR
Sherwood, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Fort Smith or Sherwood?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Smith and Sherwood?
Should I relocate from Fort Smith to Sherwood 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 Sherwood?
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