Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Alabaster, AL: $46,159 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Alabaster, AL earns a median $46,159/year (≈ $22.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Alabaster's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $52,513 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.1% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Alabaster, Alabama, strong demand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration professionals is driving the 2026 median annual salary to $46,159, which is about 23.29% lower than the national median of $60,174. The local salary range stretches from $33,039 at the 10th percentile to $70,973 at the 90th percentile, offering various earning potentials for skilled workers. Estimates derived from state-level BLS data and regional price considerations indicate that the growth of heat pump installations, spurred by IRA tax credits, is reshaping hiring trends in this sector. As residential service companies increasingly seek qualified technicians to meet demand, Alabaster's job market reflects a dynamic opportunity for mechanics and installers.
About the Alabaster Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,039 | $15.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,272 | $18.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,159 | $22.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $56,559 | $27.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,973 | $34.13 |
Median Salary Position
23.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alabaster
In Alabaster, AL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,934 (2026 est.). At $46,159, the local median is 23.29% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Alabaster: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Alabaster Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Alabaster median: $46,159/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Alabaster Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $47,636 | -3.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -23.29% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Alabaster, AL earn a median of $46,159 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.29% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.10% below the Alabama state average of $47,636.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Alabaster has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Alabaster, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $46,159 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,513 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,512
2025 BLS Actual
$44,461
2026 Current Est.
$46,159
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Alabaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,512 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,867 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,439 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,450 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $40,882 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,461 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,159 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,923 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alabaster metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $35,512 (2019) to $44,461 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $47,923 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,411 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alabaster 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $33,039 – $38,272 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,272 – $46,159 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,159 – $56,559 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $56,559 – $70,973 |
HACR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Job Market in Alabaster
Focusing on the local job market, Alabaster employs eight heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, providing a glimpse of the HVAC industry's competitive environment in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, living expenses are below the national average, positively impacting take-home purchasing power. High-paying employers in the region include large commercial HVAC contractors that service industrial facilities and schools, as well as major manufacturers like Carrier and Trane. Specializing in high-demand areas, such as data center precision cooling or obtaining relevant certifications like NATE or state contracting licenses, can enhance earning potential. Variability in pay stems from factors like the commission structures prevalent in residential service roles and the skills required in commercial setups, making strategic advancement in certifications and service areas critical for maximizing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Alabaster, AL.
More salary data for Alabaster, AL:
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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,461 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Alabaster metropolitan area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Alabaster 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