Grand Rapids vs Troy: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Grand Rapids, MI and Troy, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Grand Rapids, MI | Troy, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,365 | $59,713▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.54 | $28.71▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,111▲ | $38,591 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,308▲ | $46,428 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,142▲ | $75,538 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,294▲ | $92,556 |
| Total Employed | 1,920▲ | 20 |
Verdict
Grand Rapids and Troy are closely matched on overall heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Grand Rapids and Troy is $348 (0.59%). Troy's median is -0.77% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Grand Rapids spans $50,183,Troy spans $53,965. Troy 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, Troy ($64,070 effective) pays 3.12% more than Grand Rapids ($62,132 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Grand Rapids if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($93,294)
- ✓Larger job market (1,920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Troy if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,713/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,070)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan 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 Rapids grew 1.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.2% growth in Troy over the same period.
Grand Rapids, MI
$56,390 (2019) → $57,181 (2025)
Troy, MI
$56,267 (2024) → $57,516 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Grand Rapids or Troy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Grand Rapids and Troy?
Should I relocate from Grand Rapids to Troy 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 Rapids vs Troy?
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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