Little Rock vs Searcy: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Little Rock, AR and Searcy, AR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Little Rock, AR | Searcy, AR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,342▲ | $45,072 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.77▲ | $21.67 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,207▲ | $30,718 |
| 25th Percentile | $41,099▲ | $35,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $55,824▲ | $54,140 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $62,491 | $64,102▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,470▲ | 5 |
Verdict
Little Rock, AR offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Searcy.
The salary gap between Little Rock and Searcy is $2,270 (5.04%). Little Rock's median is -21.32% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Little Rock spans $26,284,Searcy spans $33,384. Searcy 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, Little Rock ($52,977 effective) pays 2.14% more than Searcy ($51,867 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Little Rock if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,342/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,470 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,977)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Choose Searcy if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($64,102)
- ✓You prefer the Arkansas area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Little Rock grew 19.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 14.1% growth in Searcy over the same period.
Little Rock, AR
$38,280 (2019) → $45,600 (2025)
Searcy, AR
$38,058 (2024) → $43,414 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Little Rock, AR
Searcy, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Little Rock or Searcy?
What is the hourly rate difference between Little Rock and Searcy?
Should I relocate from Little Rock to Searcy as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Little Rock vs Searcy?
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