Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Connecticut: $75,083 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Connecticut's 29 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $75,083/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Connecticut sits at BEA RPP 107.9 (8% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $69,586 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bridgeport ($73,616), New Haven ($73,036), Manchester ($72,986).
In Connecticut, the projected average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is $75,084, which is significantly higher than the national median of $60,174, representing a difference of 24.8%. The highest paying city in the state is Bridgeport, with a salary of $76,428, while Waterbury ranks as the lowest at $71,714, reflecting a salary gap of $4,714. This disparity can be attributed to various factors including cost of living, demand for skilled labor, and the concentration of industrial and commercial facilities in specific areas. You should also note that to work in this field in Connecticut, professionals are required to obtain state licensing, which can influence salary levels and job opportunities. The scope of practice laws also dictate the types of work licensed mechanics can perform, adding another layer to the compensation structure. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.82%, the job market for these mechanics and installers remains strong. Additional factors like seasonal demand fluctuations and technological advancements in HVAC systems further drive the need for qualified professionals across the state, ensuring a steady outlook for job seekers in this field.
Connecticut Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Connecticut: $42,608 (lowest entry-level) to $117,449 (highest top earner)
Connecticut vs National Average
Connecticut heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 24.78% more than the national median (+$14,909/year difference).
Connecticut Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Connecticut range from $44,971 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $99,220 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $75,083. The Connecticut median is $14,909 above the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $36.10/hr. Approximately 3,820 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 29 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$63,812
2025 BLS Actual
$72,321
2026 Current Est.
$75,083
2019–2027 Growth
+22.2%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Connecticut (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $63,812 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,200 | Actual |
| 2021 | $61,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $68,012 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,973 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,033 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,321 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,083 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,951 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Connecticut metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 13.3% from $63,812 (2019) to $72,321 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,951 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,139 (22.16%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Connecticut 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 Connecticut
Lowest Paying Cities in Connecticut
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Waterbury | $71,714 |
| Cheshire | $71,735 |
| Enfield | $71,896 |
| Naugatuck | $71,998 |
| Glastonbury | $72,511 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Connecticut
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Connecticut cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Norwich | $73,962 | 100.445 | $73,634 |
| Hartford | $75,136 | 102.746 | $73,128 |
| New Haven | $75,826 | 104.559 | $72,520 |
| Waterbury | $71,714 | 99.778 | $71,874 |
| Bridgeport | $76,428 | 106.864 | $71,519 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Connecticut
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $44,971 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $75,083 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $99,220 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Connecticut metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 29 Cities in Connecticut
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bridgeport | $76,428 |
| 2 | New Haven | $75,826 |
| 3 | Manchester | $75,774 |
| 4 | Stamford | $75,404 |
| 5 | Hartford | $75,136 |
| 6 | Danbury | $74,829 |
| 7 | Norwalk | $74,774 |
| 8 | Bristol | $74,535 |
| 9 | Stratford | $74,429 |
| 10 | Middletown | $74,336 |
| 11 | Meriden | $74,179 |
| 12 | Norwich | $73,962 |
| 13 | Hamden | $73,935 |
| 14 | Fairfield | $73,881 |
| 15 | East Hartford | $73,846 |
| 16 | New Britain | $73,798 |
| 17 | Milford | $73,465 |
| 18 | New London | $73,439 |
| 19 | West Haven | $73,435 |
| 20 | West Hartford | $73,329 |
| 21 | Shelton | $73,196 |
| 22 | Torrington | $73,077 |
| 23 | Groton | $72,832 |
| 24 | Vernon | $72,535 |
| 25 | Glastonbury | $72,511 |
| 26 | Naugatuck | $71,998 |
| 27 | Enfield | $71,896 |
| 28 | Cheshire | $71,735 |
| 29 | Waterbury | $71,714 |
More Connecticut Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Connecticut 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.
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 Connecticut in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Connecticut?
How does Connecticut 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 Connecticut?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Connecticut?
Which Connecticut 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 Connecticut. State averages are employment-weighted across 29 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