Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $37,205 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the South Kingstown, RI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $37,205 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out South Kingstown's local price level (BEA RPP 100.5 — 1% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,020 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($54,535) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in South Kingstown of $37,205 in 2026, new graduates can expect a substantial gap from the city’s median salary of $54,535. This initial figure places entry-level technicians in a position to grow financially as they gain experience and skills, with opportunities to move toward the P25 salary of $43,866 over the first three to five years. Given the projected growth rate of 3.82% annually for this profession, South Kingstown presents a reasonable market for fresh entrants willing to invest in their careers within a growing industry. While the starting salary may appear modest, the potential for incremental increases reflects a pathway to better pay as one develops expertise in the field.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in South Kingstown
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 South Kingstown
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in South Kingstown, RI typically start between $37,205 and $43,866 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $46,425 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $54,535 — 9.37% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Rhode Island of $15,000 represents just 40.32% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($37,205/year) in South Kingstown. 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 South Kingstown
- 1Research the South Kingstown market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $37,205 to $43,866, 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 RI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in South Kingstown, 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 South Kingstown for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5South Kingstown'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 South Kingstown is $46,425 ( 124.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $37,205, experienced hygienists can earn up to $83,630.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$27,389
2025 BLS Actual
$35,836
2026 Current Est.
$37,205
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27,389 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,552 | Actual |
| 2021 | $30,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $32,364 | Actual |
| 2023 | $33,349 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,217 | Actual |
| 2025 | $35,836 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37,205 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38,626 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in South Kingstown, RI grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $27,389 in 2019 to $35,836 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $38,626. New graduates entering the South Kingstown job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown
In South Kingstown, various employers actively seek out new graduates in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, including residential service companies like Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists, which often provide structured ride-along training and commission opportunities. Though commercial contractors usually look for more experienced technicians to handle complex systems, newer professionals can also find roles in data centers or manufacturers, focusing on warranty and training positions. Credentials such as completing an apprenticeship, obtaining EPA Section 608 Universal certification, and pursuing NATE or HVAC Excellence credentials can significantly enhance starting pay in Rhode Island. Moreover, taking advantage of the current boom in heat pump installations, spurred by IRA tax credits, can lead to lucrative roles within residential sectors. Realistically, new grads in the first few years may see their salaries rise considerably as they engage with high-demand technologies and undergo necessary training to adapt to industry changes.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Kingstown, RI
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in South Kingstown, RI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Kingstown, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in South Kingstown in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in South Kingstown?
Is hvac school worth it in South Kingstown?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in South Kingstown?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Rhode Island?
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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 South Kingstown. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for South Kingstown 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