Idaho Falls vs Twin Falls: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Idaho Falls, ID and Twin Falls, ID. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Idaho Falls, ID | Twin Falls, ID |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,516 | $50,380▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.33 | $24.22▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,292▲ | $37,075 |
| 25th Percentile | $45,182 | $45,902▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $65,204▲ | $60,036 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $79,613▲ | $75,501 |
| Total Employed | 390▲ | 260 |
Verdict
Idaho Falls and Twin Falls are closely matched on overall heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Idaho Falls and Twin Falls is $1,864 (3.84%). Twin Falls's median is -16.28% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Idaho Falls spans $42,321,Twin Falls spans $38,426. Idaho Falls 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, Twin Falls ($54,697 effective) pays 6.44% more than Idaho Falls ($51,388 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Idaho Falls if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,613)
- ✓Larger job market (390 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Choose Twin Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($50,380/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,697)
- ✓You prefer the Idaho area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Idaho Falls grew 3.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 45.3% growth in Twin Falls over the same period.
Idaho Falls, ID
$45,340 (2019) → $46,731 (2025)
Twin Falls, ID
$33,400 (2019) → $48,526 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Idaho Falls, ID
Twin Falls, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Idaho Falls or Twin Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Idaho Falls and Twin Falls?
Should I relocate from Idaho Falls to Twin Falls as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Idaho Falls vs Twin Falls?
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