Jefferson City vs St. Louis: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Jefferson City, MO and St. Louis, MO. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Jefferson City, MO | St. Louis, MO |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,382 | $62,136▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.58 | $29.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,893 | $45,242▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,413 | $48,368▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,414 | $77,739▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $105,770▲ | $98,807 |
| Total Employed | 190 | 2,980▲ |
Verdict
St. Louis, MO offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Jefferson City.
The salary gap between Jefferson City and St. Louis is $4,754 (8.28%). St. Louis's median is +3.26% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Jefferson City spans $67,877,St. Louis spans $53,565. Jefferson City 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, St. Louis ($65,346 effective) pays 0.18% more than Jefferson City ($65,225 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Jefferson City if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($105,770)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Choose St. Louis if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,136/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $65,346)
- ✓You prefer the Missouri area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Jefferson City grew 53.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 16.3% growth in St. Louis over the same period.
Jefferson City, MO
$36,110 (2019) → $55,271 (2025)
St. Louis, MO
$51,480 (2019) → $59,850 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Jefferson City, MO
St. Louis, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Jefferson City or St. Louis?
What is the hourly rate difference between Jefferson City and St. Louis?
Should I relocate from Jefferson City to St. Louis as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Jefferson City vs St. Louis?
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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