Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Oshkosh, WI: $47,550 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Oshkosh, WI job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $47,550 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oshkosh's local price level (BEA RPP 92.9 — 7% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $51,168 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($59,701) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, starting pay for new graduates entering the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field in Oshkosh, WI, is projected to be around $47,550. This entry-level figure reflects a significant stepping stone toward the city's median annual salary of $59,701, illustrating a sizable gap that early career professionals can bridge within a few years of gaining experience. As they progress from the initial position that typically offers a lower wage, there are opportunities for salary growth, with projections suggesting movement to around $50,094 within the first few years. Given the projected annual growth rate of 3.82%, Oshkosh presents a favorable job market for new grads, particularly as demand for HVAC services continues to expand, driven partly by increasing installation of energy-efficient systems and a generational shift in the workforce.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oshkosh
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 Oshkosh
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Oshkosh, WI typically start between $47,550 and $50,094 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $33,207 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $59,701 — 0.79% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Wisconsin of $14,000 represents just 29.44% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($47,550/year) in Oshkosh. 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 Oshkosh
- 1Research the Oshkosh market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $47,550 to $50,094, 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 WI often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Oshkosh, 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 Oshkosh for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oshkosh'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 Oshkosh is $33,207 ( 69.84%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $47,550, experienced hygienists can earn up to $80,757.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$24,680
2025 BLS Actual
$45,800
2026 Current Est.
$47,550
2019–2027 Growth
+100.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Oshkosh (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24,680 | Actual |
| 2020 | $28,350 | Actual |
| 2021 | $36,910 | Actual |
| 2022 | $38,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $37,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,800 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $47,550 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $49,366 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Oshkosh, WI grew 85.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $24,680 in 2019 to $45,800 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $49,366. New graduates entering the Oshkosh job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oshkosh 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 Oshkosh
Employers in Oshkosh that frequently hire new graduates primarily consist of residential service companies like Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists. These organizations often provide structured training programs, equipping entry-level workers with critical skills while allowing them to earn commission, potentially elevating their earnings rapidly. On the commercial side, companies tend to seek more experienced technicians due to the complexity of systems they manage. For new grads looking to enhance their starting positions, obtaining credentials such as the EPA Section 608 Universal certification or gaining NATE certification can lead to better pay. The growing market for heat pump installations—especially fueled by IRA tax credits—points to robust job opportunities as the industry adapts to emerging refrigerants and the shift to more energy-efficient systems. Realistically, within the first few years, new technicians can expect salary growth driven by both commission opportunities in residential markets and the stability of salaried positions in commercial HVAC roles.
More salary data for Oshkosh, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Oshkosh. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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