HVAC Tech Salary

Lansing vs Warren: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)

Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Lansing, MI and Warren, MI. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Lansing, MI
$59,611
$28.66/hr
Warren, MI
$61,764
$29.69/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricLansing, MIWarren, MI
Median Salary$59,611$61,764
Hourly Rate$28.66$29.69
Entry Level (P10)$39,482$41,552
25th Percentile$47,254$49,382
75th Percentile$76,428$79,057
Top Earner (P90)$92,198$95,733
Total Employed49027
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Lansing ($59,611) and Warren ($61,764) heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries.LansingWarrenMedian Salary$59,611$61,764Entry Level (P10)$39,482$41,552Top Earner (P90)$92,198$95,733US Median $60,174

Verdict

Warren, MI offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Lansing.

The salary gap between Lansing and Warren is $2,153 (3.61%). Warren's median is +2.64% 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,Warren spans $54,181. Warren has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.

Lansing
P10 (Entry)$39,482
P25$47,254
Median$59,611
P75$76,428
P90 (Top)$92,198
Warren
P10 (Entry)$41,552
P25$49,382
Median$61,764
P75$79,057
P90 (Top)$95,733

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Warren ($66,270 effective) pays 5.60% more than Lansing ($62,754 effective).

Lansing
Nominal: $59,611
CoL Index: 94.991
Adjusted: $62,754
Warren
Nominal: $61,764
CoL Index: 93.2
Adjusted: $66,270

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Lansing if…

  • Larger job market (490 employed)
  • You prefer the Michigan area and lifestyle

Choose Warren if…

  • Higher median salary ($61,764/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($95,733)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,270)
  • 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 6.3% growth in Warren over the same period.

Lansing, MI

+-4.1%

$59,870 (2019) → $57,418 (2025)

Warren, MI

+6.3%

$55,989 (2024) → $59,491 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Lansing or Warren?

Warren has a higher median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary at $61,764/year, compared to Lansing at $59,611/year — a difference of $2,153 (3.61%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Lansing and Warren?

Lansing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn $28.66/hr while Warren hygienists earn $29.69/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Lansing to Warren as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Lansing and Warren. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Lansing = $62,754, Warren = $66,270), job availability (490 vs 27 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Lansing vs Warren?

Entry-level (10th percentile) heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn $39,482 in Lansing and $41,552 in Warren. The Warren area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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