Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Hurst, TX: $30,694 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Hurst, TX job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $30,694 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Hurst's local price level (BEA RPP 96.0 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $31,973 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,782) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, new graduates entering the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field in Hurst, TX, can expect starting salaries around $30,694, which sits significantly below the city's median annual wage of $47,782. This gap presents a realistic picture for newly licensed technicians, indicating that there is ample opportunity for growth as they gain experience. Over the first few years, one can anticipate a steady progression in earnings, moving from the entry-level pay toward $39,790 at the 25th percentile, and potentially approaching the city median within three to five years. Given Hurst's robust demand for HVAC services and a relatively low cost of living index at 96, this market is favorable for new graduates entering the profession.
About the Hurst Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Hurst
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 Hurst
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Hurst, TX typically start between $30,694 and $39,790 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $40,104 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,782 — 20.59% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Texas of $12,000 represents just 39.10% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($30,694/year) in Hurst. 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 Hurst
- 1Research the Hurst market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $30,694 to $39,790, 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 TX often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Hurst, 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 Hurst for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Hurst'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 Hurst is $40,104 ( 130.66%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $30,694, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,798.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$22,596
2025 BLS Actual
$29,565
2026 Current Est.
$30,694
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22,596 | Actual |
| 2020 | $23,556 | Actual |
| 2021 | $25,335 | Actual |
| 2022 | $26,701 | Actual |
| 2023 | $27,513 | Actual |
| 2024 | $33,442 | Actual |
| 2025 | $29,565 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30,694 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31,867 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Hurst, TX grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $22,596 in 2019 to $29,565 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $31,867. New graduates entering the Hurst job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hurst 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 Hurst
As new professionals embark on their careers, Hurst offers a variety of employment options. Many residential service companies, such as Carrier and Trane, actively recruit entry-level techs and provide structured training programs to help them grow within the industry. The experience gained in these settings can be incredibly valuable, especially as the demand for residential heating and cooling solutions continues to rise with incentives like the IRA tax credits for heat pump installations. To increase initial pay, new graduates should consider pursuing additional certifications such as the EPA Section 608 Universal certification and NATE credentials. Those entering commercial and industrial environments may find salaried positions with overtime better suited to their financial goals, while keeping in mind that career paths can diverge based on company focus. Realistic growth expectations within the first few years could lead to salaries that reflect the burgeoning training opportunities around new technologies and refrigerants as well, enabling new talents to build a sustainable and profitable career.
More salary data for Hurst, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hurst in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Hurst?
Is hvac school worth it in Hurst?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Hurst?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Texas?
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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 Hurst. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Hurst 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