Santa Fe vs Taos: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Santa Fe, NM and Taos, NM. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Santa Fe, NM | Taos, NM |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $48,683 | $49,646▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.40 | $23.87▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,761▲ | $34,957 |
| 25th Percentile | $48,043▲ | $40,571 |
| 75th Percentile | $60,657▲ | $60,548 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $72,847▲ | $72,083 |
| Total Employed | 150▲ | 4 |
Verdict
Santa Fe and Taos are closely matched on overall heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Santa Fe and Taos is $963 (1.98%). Taos's median is -17.50% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Santa Fe spans $34,086,Taos spans $37,126. Taos 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, Taos ($52,591 effective) pays 6.70% more than Santa Fe ($49,291 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Santa Fe if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($72,847)
- ✓Larger job market (150 employed)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Choose Taos if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($49,646/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,591)
- ✓You prefer the New Mexico area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Santa Fe grew -3.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.0% growth in Taos over the same period.
Santa Fe, NM
$48,720 (2019) → $46,892 (2025)
Taos, NM
$46,896 (2024) → $47,819 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Santa Fe, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Santa Fe or Taos?
What is the hourly rate difference between Santa Fe and Taos?
Should I relocate from Santa Fe to Taos as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Santa Fe vs Taos?
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