La Crosse vs Madison: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between La Crosse, WI and Madison, WI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | La Crosse, WI | Madison, WI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,544 | $62,285▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.59 | $29.94▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,814▲ | $44,827 |
| 25th Percentile | $56,219▲ | $52,194 |
| 75th Percentile | $79,999▲ | $79,791 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,609 | $99,517▲ |
| Total Employed | 270 | 1,020▲ |
Verdict
Madison, WI offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to La Crosse.
The salary gap between La Crosse and Madison is $741 (1.20%). Madison's median is +3.51% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in La Crosse spans $47,795,Madison spans $54,690. Madison 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, La Crosse ($67,064 effective) pays 4.75% more than Madison ($64,022 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose La Crosse if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,064)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Choose Madison if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,285/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($99,517)
- ✓Larger job market (1,020 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Wisconsin area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in La Crosse grew -9.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 13.8% growth in Madison over the same period.
La Crosse, WI
$65,160 (2019) → $59,280 (2025)
Madison, WI
$52,730 (2019) → $59,993 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
La Crosse, WI
Madison, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: La Crosse or Madison?
What is the hourly rate difference between La Crosse and Madison?
Should I relocate from La Crosse to Madison as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in La Crosse vs Madison?
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