Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Burlington, IA: $39,999 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Burlington, IA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $39,999 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Burlington's local price level (BEA RPP 90.4 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $44,247 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($57,811) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Beginning a career as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Burlington, Iowa, offers promising prospects. The projected starting salary for entry-level positions is approximately $39,999 in 2026, a number that positions new graduates below the city median of $57,811. However, the salary range allows for significant growth over time. Within three to five years, it is realistic to expect entry-level technicians to earn between $46,728 and the median, thanks to a robust growth rate of 3.82% annually. With both the demand for HVAC services and the influx of new heating technologies like heat pumps, Burlington is currently a favorable job market for new graduates eager to begin their careers.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Burlington
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Burlington, IA typically start between $39,999 and $46,728 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $45,141 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $57,811 — 3.93% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Iowa of $11,000 represents just 27.50% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($39,999/year) in Burlington. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on HVAC Excellence and PAHRA-accredited programs and industry-recognized NATE certification prep. Costs include tuition, tools, EPA 608 certification, and related credentials. Apprenticeship pathways available at lower cost.
HACR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Burlington
- 1Research the Burlington market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $39,999 to $46,728, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the hvac field — employers in IA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Burlington, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Burlington for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Burlington's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Compensation Range
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer wage spread in Burlington is $45,141 ( 112.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $39,999, experienced hygienists can earn up to $85,140.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$29,446
2025 BLS Actual
$38,527
2026 Current Est.
$39,999
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29,446 | Actual |
| 2020 | $30,697 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,015 | Actual |
| 2022 | $34,795 | Actual |
| 2023 | $35,853 | Actual |
| 2024 | $34,714 | Actual |
| 2025 | $38,527 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $39,999 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $41,527 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Burlington, IA grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $29,446 in 2019 to $38,527 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $41,527. New graduates entering the Burlington job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your hvac Career in Burlington
Employers in Burlington that typically hire new graduates include residential service companies like Carrier dealers, Trane Comfort Specialists, and ARS, which often provide structured ride-along training and commission opportunities. However, those seeking roles with commercial or industrial contractors may face a more competitive landscape, where experienced technicians are often preferred for intricate systems. Credentials such as an EPA Section 608 Universal certification, state HVAC contractor licenses, and industry-recognized NATE certifications can enhance starting pay in the region. For those just starting, aligning with residential service companies with commission structures might lead to ample financial rewards, potentially ranging from $80,000 to $130,000, depending on sales performance. Given the ongoing heat pump installation boom driven by IRA tax credits, Burlington offers a promising trajectory for new professionals to advance their skills and earnings systematically within the first few years.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Burlington in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Burlington?
Is hvac school worth it in Burlington?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Burlington?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Iowa?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new hvac graduates. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Burlington. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
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