Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Quincy, MA: $47,420 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Quincy, MA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,420 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Quincy's local price level (BEA RPP 108.5 — 9% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $43,705 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($72,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Quincy, Massachusetts, those entering the field as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can anticipate a starting salary around $47,420 in 2026. While this initial pay reflects the entry-level position, it still presents a significant gap from the city’s median salary of $72,003, suggesting that recent graduates may need to invest time in gaining experience to reach the median level. Over the first few years on the job, individuals can realistically expect salary growth from the entry-level starting point to around $56,795 as they improve their skills and take on additional responsibilities. Given the robust demand for HVAC professionals driven by rising residential service needs and energy efficiency initiatives, Quincy offers a favorable market for new graduates looking to embark on their careers in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
About the Quincy Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Quincy
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 Quincy
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Quincy, MA typically start between $47,420 and $56,795 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $64,185 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $72,003 — 19.66% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Massachusetts of $22,000 represents just 46.39% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($47,420/year) in Quincy. 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 Quincy
- 1Research the Quincy market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $47,420 to $56,795, 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 MA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Quincy, 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 Quincy for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Quincy's moderate 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 Quincy is $64,185 ( 135.35%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,420, experienced hygienists can earn up to $111,605.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$34,909
2025 BLS Actual
$45,675
2026 Current Est.
$47,420
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Quincy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $34,909 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,392 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,140 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,250 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,505 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,873 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,675 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,420 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,231 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Quincy, MA grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $34,909 in 2019 to $45,675 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,231. New graduates entering the Quincy job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Quincy 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 Quincy
Employers across Quincy actively seek new graduates to fill these important roles. Residential service companies, such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists, are particularly focused on hiring entry-level technicians who benefit from structured training and commission-based pay structures that can escalate total compensation dramatically. For those considering prospects in commercial settings, opportunities exist, but they may be more competitive, as these employers often prioritize experience with complex environmental controls. The right credentials can significantly enhance one’s starting pay in Massachusetts; completing an apprenticeship or trade school program, obtaining EPA Section 608 Universal certification, and pursuing additional certifications like NATE or HVAC Excellence can be valuable. In the evolving landscape of HVAC, where the transition to new refrigerants and the push for heat pump installations are gaining momentum, new professionals can expect their earnings to grow steadily. This combination of educational preparation and industry development signals a promising outlook for salary increases within the first few years in the field.
More salary data for Quincy, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Quincy in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Quincy?
Is hvac school worth it in Quincy?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Quincy?
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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 Quincy. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Quincy 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