Las Cruces vs Taos: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Las Cruces, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Las Cruces, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,970 | $49,646▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.55 | $23.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,388▲ | $34,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $43,072▲ | $40,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,736▲ | $60,548 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $71,319 | $72,083▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Taos, NM offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Las Cruces.
The salary gap between Las Cruces and Taos is $676 (1.38%). Taos's median is -17.50% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Las Cruces spans $35,931,Taos spans $37,126. Taos 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, Las Cruces ($54,283 effective) pays 3.22% more than Taos ($52,591 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Las Cruces if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $54,283)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,646/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,083)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Las Cruces grew 17.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.0% growth in Taos over the same period.
Las Cruces, NM
$40,290 (2019) → $47,168 (2025)
Taos, NM
$46,896 (2024) → $47,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Las Cruces, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Las Cruces or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Las Cruces and Taos?
Should I relocate from Las Cruces to Taos as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Las Cruces vs Taos?
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