Mayaguez vs San Juan: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Mayaguez, PR and San Juan, PR. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mayaguez, PR | San Juan, PR |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $29,126 | $31,936▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $14.01 | $15.35▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $23,000 | $23,770▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $28,129 | $28,800▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $35,171 | $36,957▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $42,934 | $47,224▲ |
| Total Employed | 70 | 920▲ |
Verdict
San Juan, PR offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mayaguez.
The salary gap between Mayaguez and San Juan is $2,810 (9.65%). San Juan's median is -46.93% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mayaguez spans $19,934,San Juan spans $23,454. San Juan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mayaguez if…
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Choose San Juan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($31,936/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($47,224)
- ✓Larger job market (920 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Puerto Rico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Mayaguez grew 12.6% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 23.3% growth in San Juan over the same period.
Mayaguez, PR
$24,910 (2019) → $28,054 (2025)
San Juan, PR
$24,950 (2019) → $30,761 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mayaguez, PR
San Juan, PR
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Mayaguez or San Juan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mayaguez and San Juan?
Should I relocate from Mayaguez to San Juan as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Mayaguez vs San Juan?
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