Greenville vs North Charleston: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Greenville, SC and North Charleston, SC. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Greenville, SC | North Charleston, SC |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,954 | $58,838▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.87 | $28.29▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,992▲ | $35,818 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,853 | $47,864▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $62,294 | $74,225▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,457 | $91,199▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,160▲ | 22 |
Verdict
North Charleston, SC offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Greenville.
The salary gap between Greenville and North Charleston is $884 (1.53%). North Charleston's median is -2.22% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Greenville spans $38,465,North Charleston spans $55,381. North Charleston 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, North Charleston ($64,304 effective) pays 3.48% more than Greenville ($62,142 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Greenville if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,160 employed)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Choose North Charleston if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,838/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($91,199)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,304)
- ✓You prefer the South Carolina area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Greenville grew 13.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in North Charleston over the same period.
Greenville, SC
$49,210 (2019) → $55,822 (2025)
North Charleston, SC
$47,193 (2024) → $56,673 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Greenville, SC
North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Greenville or North Charleston?
What is the hourly rate difference between Greenville and North Charleston?
Should I relocate from Greenville to North Charleston as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Greenville vs North Charleston?
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