Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pelham, AL: $44,055 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Pelham, AL earns a median $44,055/year (≈ $21.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Pelham's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $50,119 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.5% below the Alabama state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pelham, Alabama, the projected annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $44,055 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $60,174. Local salaries range from $31,597 at the low end to $64,284 for the most experienced professionals. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional costs, reflect a labor market that primarily accommodates both commercial data center operations and residential service needs. With ongoing advancements in technology and shifts towards energy-efficient systems, the demand for HVAC services remains steady, providing a solid job outlook for local mechanics and installers.
About the Pelham Market
Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,597 | $15.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $36,281 | $17.44 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $44,055 | $21.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54,058 | $25.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $64,284 | $30.91 |
Median Salary Position
26.79% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pelham
In Pelham, AL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,687 (2026 est.). At $44,055, the local median is 26.79% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pelham: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pelham Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Pelham median: $44,055/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pelham Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alabama Average | $47,627 | -7.50% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -26.79% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Pelham, AL earn a median of $44,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.79% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.50% below the Alabama state average of $47,627.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pelham 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.
Pelham, 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 $44,055 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,119 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$33,893
2025 BLS Actual
$42,434
2026 Current Est.
$44,055
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pelham (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,187 | Actual |
| 2021 | $33,823 | Actual |
| 2022 | $35,743 | Actual |
| 2023 | $39,854 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,018 | Actual |
| 2025 | $42,434 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44,055 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $45,738 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pelham metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $33,893 (2019) to $42,434 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $45,738 by 2027 — a total increase of $11,845 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pelham 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) | $31,597 – $36,281 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $36,281 – $44,055 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $44,055 – $54,058 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $54,058 – $64,284 |
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 Pelham
Currently, Pelham employs just four mechanics and installers in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration sector, indicating a relatively small local job market. The area's cost of living index sits at 87.9, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay may stretch further here than in many other markets. Companies like One Hour Heating & Air and ARS / Rescue Rooter often offer the highest compensation among residential service providers, while commercial HVAC contractors may provide more stable salaries with benefits. Pay disparities in Pelham can arise from specialization in high-demand areas like data center precision cooling or certain state certifications, enhancing earning potential. For technicians looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing additional certifications such as NATE or becoming a licensed contractor can be advantageous, especially with the growing emphasis on heat pump installations driven by tax incentives.
More salary data for Pelham, 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 $42,434 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Pelham 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 Pelham 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