Kansas City vs Wichita: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Kansas City, KS and Wichita, KS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kansas City, KS | Wichita, KS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $62,214▲ | $58,704 |
| Hourly Rate | $29.91▲ | $28.23 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,444 | $43,969▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,157 | $48,753▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $78,732▲ | $74,445 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $96,432▲ | $83,618 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 880▲ |
Verdict
Kansas City, KS offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Wichita.
The salary gap between Kansas City and Wichita is $3,510 (5.98%). Kansas City's median is +3.39% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kansas City spans $57,988,Wichita spans $39,649. Kansas 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, Kansas City ($68,442 effective) pays 3.70% more than Wichita ($66,000 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kansas City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,214/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,432)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $68,442)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Choose Wichita if…
- ✓Larger job market (880 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Kansas City grew 20.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 4.8% growth in Wichita over the same period.
Kansas City, KS
$49,892 (2024) → $59,925 (2025)
Wichita, KS
$53,950 (2019) → $56,544 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kansas City, KS
Wichita, KS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Kansas City or Wichita?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kansas City and Wichita?
Should I relocate from Kansas City to Wichita as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Kansas City vs Wichita?
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