Fort Wayne vs Valparaiso: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Fort Wayne, IN and Valparaiso, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Fort Wayne, IN | Valparaiso, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,997▲ | $58,569 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.85▲ | $28.16 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,910▲ | $38,830 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,736▲ | $46,278 |
| 75th Percentile | $83,963▲ | $71,748 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,650▲ | $86,418 |
| Total Employed | 870▲ | 9 |
Verdict
Fort Wayne, IN offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Valparaiso.
The salary gap between Fort Wayne and Valparaiso is $1,428 (2.44%). Fort Wayne's median is -0.29% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Fort Wayne spans $56,740,Valparaiso spans $47,588. Fort Wayne 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 Wayne ($64,811 effective) pays 1.03% more than Valparaiso ($64,150 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Fort Wayne if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,997/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($95,650)
- ✓Larger job market (870 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,811)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose Valparaiso if…
- ✓You prefer the Indiana 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 Wayne grew 9.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.9% growth in Valparaiso over the same period.
Fort Wayne, IN
$52,630 (2019) → $57,789 (2025)
Valparaiso, IN
$50,433 (2024) → $56,414 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Fort Wayne, IN
Valparaiso, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Fort Wayne or Valparaiso?
What is the hourly rate difference between Fort Wayne and Valparaiso?
Should I relocate from Fort Wayne to Valparaiso 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 Wayne vs Valparaiso?
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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