Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Arizona: $59,152 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Arizona's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $59,152/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Arizona sits at BEA RPP 98.5 (1% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $60,053 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Chandler ($58,519), Phoenix ($58,112), Mesa ($57,831).
In Arizona, the average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $59,152 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $60,174, marking a difference of 1.7%. Salaries vary significantly across the state; Chandler offers the highest average at $60,754, while Sierra Vista ranks the lowest at $48,407, highlighting a salary gap of $12,347. This disparity can be attributed to factors such as local demand for skilled technicians, the cost of living in different areas, and the concentration of industrial versus residential work. Arizona requires state licensing for HVAC professionals, which includes passing an exam and fulfilling specific educational and work experience criteria. This regulatory framework ensures a baseline skill level among workers. The industry is expected to grow at an annual rate of 3.82%, driven by increasing temperatures and the need for efficient cooling systems, particularly in urban centers like Phoenix, Mesa, and Scottsdale, which also feature among the top five paying cities. With a total of 11,084 employed in this field, the job market remains strong, indicating a steady demand for skilled professionals in the coming years.
Arizona Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Arizona: $34,873 (lowest entry-level) to $94,169 (highest top earner)
Arizona vs National Average
Arizona heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 1.7% less than the national median ($-1,022/year difference).
Arizona Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Arizona range from $37,391 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $81,001 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $59,152. The Arizona median is $1,022 below the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $28.44/hr. Approximately 11,084 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$45,417
2025 BLS Actual
$56,976
2026 Current Est.
$59,152
2019–2027 Growth
+35.2%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Arizona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,417 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,492 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,324 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,234 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,757 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,976 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,152 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,412 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arizona metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.5% from $45,417 (2019) to $56,976 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,412 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,995 (35.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arizona 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Arizona
Lowest Paying Cities in Arizona
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Sierra Vista | $48,407 |
| Sedona | $53,045 |
| Nogales | $53,227 |
| Oro Valley | $53,563 |
| Apache Junction | $54,479 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Arizona
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Arizona cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chandler | $60,754 | 98.5 | $61,679 |
| Mesa | $60,040 | 98.5 | $60,954 |
| Yuma | $56,505 | 92.706 | $60,951 |
| Scottsdale | $59,548 | 98.5 | $60,455 |
| Glendale | $59,338 | 98.5 | $60,242 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Arizona
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $37,391 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $59,152 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $81,001 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Arizona metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Arizona
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Chandler | $60,754 |
| 2 | Phoenix | $60,332 |
| 3 | Mesa | $60,040 |
| 4 | Scottsdale | $59,548 |
| 5 | Glendale | $59,338 |
| 6 | Gilbert | $57,937 |
| 7 | Peoria | $57,748 |
| 8 | Flagstaff | $57,560 |
| 9 | Prescott Valley | $57,481 |
| 10 | Maricopa | $57,275 |
| 11 | Avondale | $57,191 |
| 12 | Prescott | $57,175 |
| 13 | Marana | $56,976 |
| 14 | San Tan Valley | $56,810 |
| 15 | Tempe | $56,744 |
| 16 | Yuma | $56,505 |
| 17 | Surprise | $56,383 |
| 18 | Goodyear | $56,295 |
| 19 | Queen Creek | $56,059 |
| 20 | Lake Havasu City | $56,032 |
| 21 | Kingman | $55,868 |
| 22 | Buckeye | $55,535 |
| 23 | Tucson | $55,302 |
| 24 | Florence | $55,159 |
| 25 | Casa Grande | $55,038 |
| 26 | Bullhead City | $55,032 |
| 27 | El Mirage | $54,786 |
| 28 | Sahuarita | $54,549 |
| 29 | Apache Junction | $54,479 |
| 30 | Oro Valley | $53,563 |
| 31 | Nogales | $53,227 |
| 32 | Sedona | $53,045 |
| 33 | Sierra Vista | $48,407 |
More Arizona Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Arizona cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Compare Cities in Arizona
View all comparisons →Explore More Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Arizona in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Arizona?
How does Arizona heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Arizona?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Arizona?
Which Arizona city offers the best value for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation across Arizona. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
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