Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Medina, OH: $41,719 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Medina, OH job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $41,719 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Medina's local price level (BEA RPP 90.7 — 9% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $45,997 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($58,687) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medina, Ohio, new graduates entering the field of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration can expect a starting salary around $41,719. This entry-level pay reflects a notable gap from the city's median annual salary of $58,687. Over the first three to five years, technicians can anticipate salary growth as they gain experience; the path from the starting wage to the 25th percentile at $46,961 is a stepping stone toward achieving the median. The projected annual growth rate of 3.82% suggests that Medina remains a positive market for entry-level HVAC roles, particularly with technological advancements and incentives promoting energy-efficient installations.
About the Medina Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Medina
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 Medina
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Medina, OH typically start between $41,719 and $46,961 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $47,888 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $58,687 — 2.47% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Ohio of $14,000 represents just 33.56% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($41,719/year) in Medina. 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 Medina
- 1Research the Medina market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $41,719 to $46,961, 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 OH often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Medina, 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 Medina for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Medina'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 Medina is $47,888 ( 114.79%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $41,719, experienced hygienists can earn up to $89,607.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$30,712
2025 BLS Actual
$40,184
2026 Current Est.
$41,719
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Medina (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30,712 | Actual |
| 2020 | $32,017 | Actual |
| 2021 | $34,435 | Actual |
| 2022 | $36,291 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,395 | Actual |
| 2024 | $35,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $40,184 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $41,719 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43,313 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Medina, OH grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $30,712 in 2019 to $40,184 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $43,313. New graduates entering the Medina job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medina 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 Medina
For new grads seeking their foot in the door, numerous employers in Medina actively recruit recent graduates. Residential service companies are key players, offering structured training programs and incentivizing their workforce through commission-based structures. Employers such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists commonly hire entry-level technicians and provide valuable mentorship. Gaining credentials, like the EPA Section 608 Universal certification and potential NATE certification, can enhance starting pay. As demand for heat pump installations rises due to available IRA tax credits, new technicians should prepare for a competitive landscape. In their initial years, aspiring HVAC professionals can realistically aim for salary increases as they navigate the distinction between residential and commercial work—salaried positions in commercial sectors offer stability, while residential jobs hinge on performance-based pay that can significantly elevate earnings in lucrative markets.
More salary data for Medina, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Medina in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Medina?
Is hvac school worth it in Medina?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Medina?
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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 Medina. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Medina 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