Roanoke vs Suffolk: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Roanoke, VA and Suffolk, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Roanoke, VA | Suffolk, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,556 | $57,342▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.35 | $27.56▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,203 | $39,518▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $43,633 | $46,429▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,628 | $71,031▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,011 | $88,880▲ |
| Total Employed | 660▲ | 15 |
Verdict
Suffolk, VA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Roanoke.
The salary gap between Roanoke and Suffolk is $8,786 (18.09%). Suffolk's median is -4.71% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Roanoke spans $36,808,Suffolk spans $49,362. Suffolk 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, Suffolk ($55,564 effective) pays 7.13% more than Roanoke ($51,866 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Roanoke if…
- ✓Larger job market (660 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Suffolk if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($57,342/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,880)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $55,564)
- ✓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 Roanoke grew 20.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -2.8% growth in Suffolk over the same period.
Roanoke, VA
$38,750 (2019) → $46,769 (2025)
Suffolk, VA
$56,823 (2024) → $55,232 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Roanoke, VA
Suffolk, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Roanoke or Suffolk?
What is the hourly rate difference between Roanoke and Suffolk?
Should I relocate from Roanoke to Suffolk as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Roanoke vs Suffolk?
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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