Rochester vs St. Cloud: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Rochester, MN and St. Cloud, MN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rochester, MN | St. Cloud, MN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,437▲ | $73,400 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.75▲ | $35.29 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,747▲ | $45,941 |
| 25th Percentile | $61,358▲ | $56,012 |
| 75th Percentile | $82,119▲ | $81,408 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $93,303 | $96,814▲ |
| Total Employed | 190 | 250▲ |
Verdict
Rochester and St. Cloud are closely matched on overall heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Rochester and St. Cloud is $3,037 (4.14%). Rochester's median is +27.03% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rochester spans $45,556,St. Cloud spans $50,873. St. Cloud 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, Rochester ($84,162 effective) pays 0.48% more than St. Cloud ($83,759 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,437/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $84,162)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Choose St. Cloud if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($96,814)
- ✓Larger job market (250 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Minnesota area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Rochester grew 43.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 11.8% growth in St. Cloud over the same period.
Rochester, MN
$51,150 (2019) → $73,625 (2025)
St. Cloud, MN
$63,240 (2019) → $70,699 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rochester, MN
St. Cloud, MN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Rochester or St. Cloud?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rochester and St. Cloud?
Should I relocate from Rochester to St. Cloud as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Rochester vs St. Cloud?
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