Lansing vs Traverse City: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Lansing, MI and Traverse City, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lansing, MI | Traverse City, MI |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,611 | $59,760▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $28.66 | $28.73▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,482▲ | $38,476 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,254▲ | $46,573 |
| 75th Percentile | $76,428▲ | $71,181 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $92,198▲ | $90,197 |
| Total Employed | 490▲ | 210 |
Verdict
Lansing and Traverse City are closely matched on overall heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Lansing and Traverse City is $149 (0.25%). Traverse City's median is -0.69% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lansing spans $52,716,Traverse City spans $51,721. Lansing 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, Traverse City ($64,002 effective) pays 1.99% more than Lansing ($62,754 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lansing if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($92,198)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Choose Traverse City if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,760/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,002)
- ✓You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Lansing grew -4.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.1% growth in Traverse City over the same period.
Lansing, MI
$59,870 (2019) → $57,418 (2025)
Traverse City, MI
$58,810 (2024) → $57,561 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lansing, MI
Traverse City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Lansing or Traverse City?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Traverse City?
Should I relocate from Lansing to Traverse City as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Lansing vs Traverse City?
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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