Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Jackson, WY: $35,173 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Jackson, WY job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,173 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Jackson's local price level (BEA RPP 95.8 — 4% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $36,715 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($50,253) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those entering the field as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Jackson, Wyoming, can expect an entry-level salary starting around $35,173, which reflects the lower end of the local pay scale. This figure is significantly below the city's median salary of $50,253, highlighting a clear gap for new graduates. However, there's potential for growth; in just a few years, those in entry-level roles may see their earnings rise as they gain experience, moving toward the 25th percentile salary of $39,779 or even the median as they become more skilled. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.82%, Jackson represents a viable market for recent graduates to embark on their careers in HVAC, particularly as the demand for qualified technicians grows.
About the Jackson Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Jackson
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 Jackson
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Jackson, WY typically start between $35,173 and $39,779 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,558 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $50,253 — 16.49% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Wyoming of $12,000 represents just 34.12% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($35,173/year) in Jackson. 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 Jackson
- 1Research the Jackson market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $35,173 to $39,779, 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 WY often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Jackson, 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 Jackson for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Jackson'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 Jackson is $37,558 ( 106.78%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,173, experienced hygienists can earn up to $72,731.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$25,894
2025 BLS Actual
$33,879
2026 Current Est.
$35,173
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Jackson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25,894 | Actual |
| 2020 | $26,993 | Actual |
| 2021 | $29,032 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,597 | Actual |
| 2023 | $31,527 | Actual |
| 2024 | $38,019 | Actual |
| 2025 | $33,879 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,173 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36,517 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Jackson, WY grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $25,894 in 2019 to $33,879 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $36,517. New graduates entering the Jackson job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jackson 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 Jackson
Looking at employers in Jackson, various residential service companies, such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists, often bring in new graduates, providing structured ride-along training and commission-based compensation that can elevate pay significantly over time. In contrast, industrial and commercial contractors generally prefer experienced technicians due to the complexity of their systems. Credentials can play a significant role in enhancing starting pay; certifications like EPA Section 608 and NATE can position candidates favorably in a competitive job market. In the first few years, professionals may realistically expect their pay to rise steadily, especially as they adapt to the growing residential demand fueled by the heat pump installation boom and new refrigerants. These dynamics, along with training opportunities through organizations like the ACCA, signal a promising future for new entrants in this evolving field in Jackson.
More salary data for Jackson, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Jackson in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Jackson?
Is hvac school worth it in Jackson?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Jackson?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Wyoming?
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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 Jackson. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Jackson 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