Grand Island vs Hastings: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Grand Island, NE and Hastings, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Island, NE | Hastings, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,274▲ | $51,032 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.53▲ | $24.53 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,180▲ | $33,111 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,076▲ | $39,631 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,087▲ | $62,944 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,958 | $76,001▲ |
| Total Employed | 80▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Grand Island, NE offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Hastings.
The salary gap between Grand Island and Hastings is $6,242 (12.23%). Grand Island's median is -4.82% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Island spans $36,778,Hastings spans $42,890. Hastings 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, Grand Island ($66,093 effective) pays 18.50% more than Hastings ($55,773 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Island if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,274/year)
- ✓Larger job market (80 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,093)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Hastings if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($76,001)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Grand Island grew 8.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -1.7% growth in Hastings over the same period.
Grand Island, NE
$50,770 (2019) → $55,167 (2025)
Hastings, NE
$49,991 (2024) → $49,154 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Island, NE
Hastings, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Grand Island or Hastings?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Island and Hastings?
Should I relocate from Grand Island to Hastings as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Grand Island vs Hastings?
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