Jacksonville vs Lakeland: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Jacksonville, FL and Lakeland, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jacksonville, FL | Lakeland, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,787▲ | $55,903 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.78▲ | $26.88 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,400▲ | $36,868 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,612▲ | $46,366 |
| 75th Percentile | $68,163▲ | $61,623 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $78,815▲ | $75,225 |
| Total Employed | 3,340▲ | 1,120 |
Verdict
Jacksonville, FL offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lakeland.
The salary gap between Jacksonville and Lakeland is $1,884 (3.37%). Jacksonville's median is -3.97% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jacksonville spans $41,415,Lakeland spans $38,357. Jacksonville 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, Jacksonville ($58,087 effective) pays 0.94% more than Lakeland ($57,548 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jacksonville if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,787/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($78,815)
- ✓Larger job market (3,340 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $58,087)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose Lakeland if…
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Jacksonville grew 28.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.2% growth in Lakeland over the same period.
Jacksonville, FL
$43,360 (2019) → $55,661 (2025)
Lakeland, FL
$42,330 (2019) → $53,846 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jacksonville, FL
Lakeland, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Jacksonville or Lakeland?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jacksonville and Lakeland?
Should I relocate from Jacksonville to Lakeland as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Jacksonville vs Lakeland?
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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