Tampa vs North Port: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Tampa, FL and North Port, FL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Tampa, FL | North Port, FL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $49,847 | $58,261▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $23.97 | $28.01▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,077▲ | $37,242 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,099 | $47,046▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $60,972 | $63,517▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $74,268 | $77,178▲ |
| Total Employed | 6,090▲ | 1,870 |
Verdict
North Port, FL offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tampa.
The salary gap between Tampa and North Port is $8,414 (16.88%). North Port's median is -3.18% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Tampa spans $35,191,North Port spans $39,936. North Port 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, North Port ($56,886 effective) pays 15.14% more than Tampa ($49,407 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Tampa if…
- ✓Larger job market (6,090 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Choose North Port if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,261/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($77,178)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $56,886)
- ✓You prefer the Florida area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Tampa grew 7.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 28.9% growth in North Port over the same period.
Tampa, FL
$44,510 (2019) → $48,013 (2025)
North Port, FL
$43,520 (2019) → $56,117 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
North Port, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Tampa or North Port?
What is the hourly rate difference between Tampa and North Port?
Should I relocate from Tampa to North Port as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Tampa vs North Port?
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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