Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Lexington, KY and Louisville/Jefferson County, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lexington, KY | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $59,454▲ | $58,123 |
| Hourly Rate | $28.58▲ | $27.94 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,957 | $45,242▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $47,598▲ | $47,559 |
| 75th Percentile | $75,530▲ | $67,275 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $80,067▲ | $77,660 |
| Total Employed | 740 | 1,890▲ |
Verdict
Lexington, KY offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Louisville/Jefferson County.
The salary gap between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County is $1,331 (2.29%). Lexington's median is -1.20% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lexington spans $43,110,Louisville/Jefferson County spans $32,418. Lexington 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, Lexington ($64,005 effective) pays 2.49% more than Louisville/Jefferson County ($62,448 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lexington if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($59,454/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,067)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,005)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Lexington grew 30.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 32.5% growth in Louisville/Jefferson County over the same period.
Lexington, KY
$43,860 (2019) → $57,266 (2025)
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$42,260 (2019) → $55,984 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lexington, KY
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Lexington or Louisville/Jefferson County?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lexington and Louisville/Jefferson County?
Should I relocate from Lexington to Louisville/Jefferson County as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Lexington vs Louisville/Jefferson County?
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