Mitchell vs Sioux Falls: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Mitchell, SD and Sioux Falls, SD. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Mitchell, SD | Sioux Falls, SD |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,499 | $61,584▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.28 | $29.61▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,403 | $48,319▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,269 | $56,347▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $61,720 | $70,934▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,536 | $75,028▲ |
| Total Employed | 6 | 600▲ |
Verdict
Sioux Falls, SD offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Mitchell.
The salary gap between Mitchell and Sioux Falls is $11,085 (21.95%). Sioux Falls's median is +2.34% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Mitchell spans $39,133,Sioux Falls spans $26,709. Mitchell 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, Sioux Falls ($67,950 effective) pays 24.87% more than Mitchell ($54,417 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Mitchell if…
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Choose Sioux Falls if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($61,584/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($75,028)
- ✓Larger job market (600 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $67,950)
- ✓You prefer the South Dakota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Mitchell grew 2.0% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 14.3% growth in Sioux Falls over the same period.
Mitchell, SD
$47,703 (2024) → $48,641 (2025)
Sioux Falls, SD
$51,900 (2019) → $59,318 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Mitchell, SD
Sioux Falls, SD
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Mitchell or Sioux Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Mitchell and Sioux Falls?
Should I relocate from Mitchell to Sioux Falls as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Mitchell vs Sioux Falls?
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