HVAC Tech Salary

Memphis vs Tullahoma: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)

Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Memphis, TN and Tullahoma, TN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.

Memphis, TN
$56,002
$26.93/hr
Tullahoma, TN
$46,430
$22.32/hr

Side-by-Side Comparison

MetricMemphis, TNTullahoma, TN
Median Salary$56,002$46,430
Hourly Rate$26.93$22.32
Entry Level (P10)$38,288$33,231
25th Percentile$46,701$37,138
75th Percentile$71,486$56,856
Top Earner (P90)$86,449$67,785
Total Employed1,7404
Side-by-side bar chart comparing Memphis ($56,002) and Tullahoma ($46,430) heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries.MemphisTullahomaMedian Salary$56,002$46,430Entry Level (P10)$38,288$33,231Top Earner (P90)$86,449$67,785US Median $60,174

Verdict

Memphis, TN offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Tullahoma.

The salary gap between Memphis and Tullahoma is $9,572 (20.62%). Memphis's median is -6.93% compared to the US national median of $60,174.

Salary Range Comparison

The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Memphis spans $48,161,Tullahoma spans $34,554. Memphis has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.

Memphis
P10 (Entry)$38,288
P25$46,701
Median$56,002
P75$71,486
P90 (Top)$86,449
Tullahoma
P10 (Entry)$33,231
P25$37,138
Median$46,430
P75$56,856
P90 (Top)$67,785

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison

After cost-of-living adjustment, Memphis ($60,754 effective) pays 20.12% more than Tullahoma ($50,577 effective).

Memphis
Nominal: $56,002
CoL Index: 92.179
Adjusted: $60,754
Tullahoma
Nominal: $46,430
CoL Index: 91.8
Adjusted: $50,577

Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.

Which City Is Right for You?

Choose Memphis if…

  • Higher median salary ($56,002/year)
  • Better top-earner potential ($86,449)
  • Larger job market (1,740 employed)
  • Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $60,754)
  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Choose Tullahoma if…

  • You prefer the Tennessee area and lifestyle

Historical Salary Growth Comparison

Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Memphis grew 19.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 1.4% growth in Tullahoma over the same period.

Memphis, TN

+19.9%

$44,990 (2019) → $53,941 (2025)

Tullahoma, TN

+1.4%

$44,105 (2024) → $44,722 (2025)

View Full Salary Data

Frequently Asked Questions

Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Memphis or Tullahoma?

Memphis has a higher median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary at $56,002/year, compared to Tullahoma at $46,430/year — a difference of $9,572 (20.62%).

What is the hourly rate difference between Memphis and Tullahoma?

Memphis heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn $26.93/hr while Tullahoma hygienists earn $22.32/hr (2026 est.).

Should I relocate from Memphis to Tullahoma as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Consider more than just salary when comparing Memphis and Tullahoma. Factor in cost of living (CoL-adjusted: Memphis = $60,754, Tullahoma = $50,577), job availability (1,740 vs 4 employed), commute, and career growth potential.

What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Memphis vs Tullahoma?

Entry-level (10th percentile) heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn $38,288 in Memphis and $33,231 in Tullahoma. The Memphis area offers higher starting salaries.

Related Comparisons

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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