Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Derby, KS: $34,160 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Derby, KS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $34,160 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Derby's local price level (BEA RPP 90.9 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,580 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($51,240) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For new graduates seeking a position as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Derby, Kansas, the entry-level landscape in 2026 presents some intriguing opportunities. The starting salary for these roles is projected at around $34,160, which is notably lower than the city median of $51,240. However, as new mechanics gain experience and skills, the potential to reach a salary of approximately $40,467 at the 25th percentile is realistic within the first few years. With the local job market forecasted to grow annually by 3.82%, Derby offers a promising environment for those entering the HVAC field, particularly considering the demand for qualified technicians driven by an aging workforce and the increasing focus on heat pump technology due to new tax incentives.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Derby
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 Derby
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Derby, KS typically start between $34,160 and $40,467 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $43,225 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $51,240 — 14.85% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Kansas of $9,000 represents just 26.35% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($34,160/year) in Derby. 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 Derby
- 1Research the Derby market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $34,160 to $40,467, 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 KS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Derby, 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 Derby for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Derby'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 Derby is $43,225 ( 126.54%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $34,160, experienced hygienists can earn up to $77,385.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,148
2025 BLS Actual
$32,903
2026 Current Est.
$34,160
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,148 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,216 | Actual |
| 2021 | $28,196 | Actual |
| 2022 | $29,715 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,619 | Actual |
| 2024 | $32,159 | Actual |
| 2025 | $32,903 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34,160 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35,465 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Derby, KS grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,148 in 2019 to $32,903 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $35,465. New graduates entering the Derby job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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 Derby
Employers within Derby looking to hire new graduates primarily consist of residential service companies, such as local dealers for Carrier and Trane, which often offer structured training and commission-based pay. Initially, new technicians may find themselves in a fast-paced environment where their performance could significantly influence their earnings potential. It's essential to stay updated on industry-standard credentials, like the EPA Section 608 Universal certification and NATE certification, as these can enhance starting pay and job prospects in Kansas. In the first three years, those entering commercial HVAC roles may expect different growth patterns, often working salaried positions that include overtime pay, contrasting with the variable income seen in residential service due to commission structures. The current boom in heat pump installation, alongside regulatory changes around refrigerants, promises steady demand for skilled technicians and makes continuing education a wise investment for career advancement.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Derby in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Derby?
Is hvac school worth it in Derby?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Derby?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Kansas?
Related Pages
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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 Derby. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Derby 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