Portsmouth vs Richmond: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Portsmouth, VA and Richmond, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Portsmouth, VA | Richmond, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $56,431 | $58,320▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.13 | $28.04▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,409 | $37,746▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,625 | $46,573▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,922▲ | $64,810 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $86,841▲ | $77,542 |
| Total Employed | 17 | 2,700▲ |
Verdict
Richmond, VA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Portsmouth.
The salary gap between Portsmouth and Richmond is $1,889 (3.35%). Richmond's median is -3.08% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Portsmouth spans $49,432,Richmond spans $39,796. Portsmouth 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, Richmond ($59,597 effective) pays 8.99% more than Portsmouth ($54,681 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Portsmouth if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($86,841)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Richmond if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,320/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,700 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,597)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Portsmouth grew -2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 13.9% growth in Richmond over the same period.
Portsmouth, VA
$55,921 (2024) → $54,355 (2025)
Richmond, VA
$49,300 (2019) → $56,174 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Portsmouth, VA
Richmond, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Portsmouth or Richmond?
What is the hourly rate difference between Portsmouth and Richmond?
Should I relocate from Portsmouth to Richmond as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Portsmouth vs Richmond?
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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