Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bentonville, AR: $46,769 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Bentonville, AR earns a median $46,769/year (≈ $22.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Bentonville's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $53,819 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Bentonville is set at $46,769, reflecting the localized market dynamics and cost structure based on estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional pricing adjustments. This salary range offers a wide spectrum from $28,842 at the 10th percentile to $70,946 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for higher earnings, particularly in specialized roles such as commercial HVAC or those tied to emerging technologies like heat pumps. Compared to the national median of $60,174, Bentonville's compensation figures indicate a significant disparity, with local salaries falling approximately 22.28% below the national average. This variation suggests a competitive but constrained local market that could influence job seekers' decisions in a thriving industry.
About the Bentonville Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $28,842 | $13.87 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,133 | $18.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,769 | $22.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,198 | $27.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $70,946 | $34.10 |
Median Salary Position
22.28% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bentonville
In Bentonville, AR, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,104 (2026 est.). At $46,769, the local median is 22.28% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bentonville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bentonville Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Bentonville median: $46,769/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bentonville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $47,337 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -22.28% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Bentonville, AR earn a median of $46,769 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.28% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.20% below the Arkansas state average of $47,337.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bentonville has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bentonville, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $46,769 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,819 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,981
2025 BLS Actual
$45,048
2026 Current Est.
$46,769
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bentonville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,981 | Actual |
| 2020 | $37,354 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,907 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,945 | Actual |
| 2023 | $42,309 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,490 | Actual |
| 2025 | $45,048 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,769 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,555 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bentonville metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $35,981 (2019) to $45,048 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,555 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,574 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bentonville 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) | $28,842 – $38,133 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,133 – $46,769 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,769 – $58,198 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,198 – $70,946 |
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 Bentonville
In Bentonville, AR, the local job market shows a modest employment level, with only 12 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in the area. The cost of living index is 86.9, which implies that despite the lower salaries compared to the national average, the purchasing power for residents remains favorable. Key employers, including residential service companies such as Trane Comfort Specialists and multi-location franchises like One Hour Heating & Air, offer varied pay structures influenced by commission incentives and specialty skills. The income disparity within the field is further shaped by factors such as on-call premiums, state licensing, and the demand for skilled technicians capable of handling advanced systems. To maximize earnings in this competitive landscape, certification in EPA Section 608 and NATE, alongside securing a state HVAC contractor license, can position technicians favorably, particularly as the market shifts toward heat pump installations driven by recent tax credits.
More salary data for Bentonville, AR:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Bentonville, AR
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bentonville, AR
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bentonville, AR
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Bentonville, AR in 2026?
Is Bentonville, AR a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Bentonville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Bentonville?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Bentonville?
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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 $45,048 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Bentonville 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 Bentonville 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