Louisville/Jefferson County vs Radcliff: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Louisville/Jefferson County, KY and Radcliff, KY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Louisville/Jefferson County, KY | Radcliff, KY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $58,123▲ | $54,676 |
| Hourly Rate | $27.94▲ | $26.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,242▲ | $38,009 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,559▲ | $44,150 |
| 75th Percentile | $67,275 | $67,426▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $77,660 | $80,324▲ |
| Total Employed | 1,890▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Radcliff.
The salary gap between Louisville/Jefferson County and Radcliff is $3,447 (6.30%). Louisville/Jefferson County's median is -3.41% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Louisville/Jefferson County spans $32,418,Radcliff spans $42,315. Radcliff 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, Louisville/Jefferson County ($62,448 effective) pays 1.99% more than Radcliff ($61,227 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Louisville/Jefferson County if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,123/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,890 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $62,448)
- ✓You prefer the Kentucky area and lifestyle
Choose Radcliff if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($80,324)
- ✓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 Louisville/Jefferson County grew 32.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 22.9% growth in Radcliff over the same period.
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
$42,260 (2019) → $55,984 (2025)
Radcliff, KY
$42,846 (2024) → $52,664 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Louisville/Jefferson County, KY
Radcliff, KY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Louisville/Jefferson County or Radcliff?
What is the hourly rate difference between Louisville/Jefferson County and Radcliff?
Should I relocate from Louisville/Jefferson County to Radcliff as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Louisville/Jefferson County vs Radcliff?
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