HVAC Tech Salary

Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bountiful, UT: $35,366 (2026)

Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Bountiful, UT job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,366 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Bountiful's local price level (BEA RPP 98.12% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,051 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($52,458) within a few years of clinical practice.

$35,366
Starting Salary
$17.01/hr
Starting Hourly
$35,366
Entry Level
$52,458
Career Median Target

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Entry Level Salary in Bountiful, UT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Bountiful, UT heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer entry level salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

Starting salaries for new graduates entering the field of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics in Bountiful, UT reflect an initial pay of approximately $35,366. While this figure is significantly lower than the city’s median annual salary of $52,458, entry-level positions offer a pathway to advancement within a few years. Individuals can expect growth through positions like P25 at $41,720, gradually bridging the gap to the median as experience and skills are acquired. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.82%, Bountiful presents a favorable market for early-career professionals looking to establish themselves in HVAC, especially considering the ongoing demand for skilled technicians in light of an aging workforce and evolving technologies.

About the Bountiful Market

Salary estimated from Utah average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Career Earnings Timeline in Bountiful

Year 0-2

New Graduate

$35,366/yr
Year 2-5

Early Career

$41,720/yr
Year 5-10

Mid Career

$52,458/yr
Year 10+

Experienced

$65,656/yr

Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bountiful

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Bountiful. The median salary is $52,458, compared to the national median of $60,174.$31.8K$44.8K$57.8K$70.7K$83.7K$35.4K10th Pctl$41.7K25th Pctl$52.5KMedian$65.7K75th Pctl$79.7K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Bountiful, UT typically start between $35,366 and $41,720 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $44,323 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $52,45812.82% below the national median.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Bountiful metro area.

Return on Investment

$11,000
Avg UT Program Cost
$35,366
Starting Salary
31.10%
Cost-to-Salary Ratio
<1 yr
Payback Estimate

The average hvac program cost in Utah of $11,000 represents just 31.10% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($35,366/year) in Bountiful. 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 Bountiful

  • 1Research the Bountiful market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $35,366 to $41,720, 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 UT often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
  • 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Bountiful, 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 Bountiful for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
  • 5Bountiful'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 Bountiful is $44,323 ( 125.33%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,366, experienced hygienists can earn up to $79,689.

Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.

2019 BLS Actual

$26,036

2025 BLS Actual

$34,065

2026 Current Est.

$35,366

2019–2027 Growth

+41.0%

Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bountiful (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bountiful. Baseline $26,036 in 2025, projected to $36,717 by 2027.$23.9K$27.6K$31.4K$35.1K$38.9K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.0K$27.1K$29.2K$30.8K$31.7K$36.7K$34.1K$35.4K$36.7K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$26,036Actual
2020$27,141Actual
2021$29,191Actual
2022$30,765Actual
2023$31,700Actual
2024$36,690Actual
2025$34,065Actual
2026(current)$35,366Estimated
2027$36,717Projected

Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Bountiful, UT grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $26,036 in 2019 to $34,065 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,717. New graduates entering the Bountiful job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bountiful metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Bountiful

Various employers in Bountiful actively recruit new graduates in this field, primarily residential service companies such as Carrier dealers and ARS, which provide structured ride-along training and commission-based pay models that can produce substantial income as technicians gain experience. On the commercial side, contractors often seek experienced specialists for complex system installations, while manufacturers look for field service techs who handle warranty and training roles. Credentials play a pivotal role in enhancing starting pay; aspiring technicians are encouraged to secure certifications such as the EPA Section 608 Universal certification and pursue NATE credentials. In the competitive landscape of HVAC, understanding the distinction between residential and commercial service roles helps new graduates target their job search effectively. The heat pump market, spurred by recent IRA tax credits, is driving residential demand, thus presenting opportunities for new entrants, albeit with the understanding that those in commission-heavy environments may experience pressure to perform. Gradual salary advancements in the first few years typically align with skill development, allowing entry-level technicians to move comfortably toward more lucrative roles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bountiful in 2026?

Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bountiful start at approximately $35,366/year (10th percentile), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). This is the typical range for new graduates with less than 1 year of clinical experience. The starting hourly equivalent is approximately $17.00/hour for full-time work. Starting pay depends on the practice type (private vs. large organization), patient volume, location within the metro area, and whether the position includes benefits.

How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Bountiful?

Most heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bountiful progress from the entry-level salary of $35,366 to the area median of $52,458 within 3–5 years of clinical experience. Top earners with specializations and certifications reach $79,689 (90th percentile). The biggest salary jumps typically come in years 2–5 as clinical skills develop, and again when obtaining advanced certifications or expanded-function credentials. Salary growth after 10 years tends to plateau unless moving into management or education roles.

Is hvac school worth it in Bountiful?

With a starting salary of $35,366/year in Bountiful and typical program costs ranging from $20,000–$80,000 for the required degree, graduates can expect a strong return on investment. Most new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers recoup their tuition within 1–3 years of working full-time. The profession also offers excellent work-life balance, flexible scheduling, low unemployment rates, and growing demand driven by an aging population's care needs.

What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Bountiful?

New hvac graduates in Bountiful typically start near the 10th percentile at $35,366/year, or approximately $17.00/hour. Starting pay varies based on the practice type, patient volume, geographic location within the metro area, and whether the compensation package includes benefits like health insurance and retirement contributions. Graduates with internships at high-production practices often secure higher starting offers.

How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Utah?

To become a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Utah, you typically need high school diploma or equivalent is typically required for this occupation., then pass the required national and state licensing examinations. Most states, including Utah, also require a clinical licensing exam. After obtaining licensure, you must maintain it through continuing education credits. Some heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers pursue advanced degrees for career advancement into education, research, or public health roles.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Utah

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 Bountiful. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Bountiful is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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