Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bristol, CT: $74,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Bristol, CT earns a median $74,535/year (≈ $35.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Bristol's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.9), that paycheck buys what $69,078 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% below the Connecticut state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bristol, Connecticut, can expect a median annual salary of $74,535, significantly higher than the national average of $60,174. This local salary reflects a wide range, with entry-level technicians earning approximately $46,463, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $115,530. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data projected for 2026, adjusted for regional pricing variations, indicating a robust local job market for HVAC professionals. The dynamics of the residential sector, wherein commission structures and performance incentives can greatly influence earnings, can elevate top-performing technicians’ compensation significantly beyond the median, underscoring the variable nature of pay within the industry in Bristol.
About the Bristol Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,463 | $22.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,145 | $29.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,535 | $35.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $95,405 | $45.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $115,530 | $55.54 |
Median Salary Position
23.87% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bristol
In Bristol, CT, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $69,067 (2026 est.). At $74,535, the local median is 23.87% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bristol: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bristol Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Bristol median: $74,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bristol Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Connecticut Average | $75,137 | -0.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +23.87% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Bristol, CT earn a median of $74,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.87% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.80% below the Connecticut state average of $75,137.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bristol has a cost of living 7.90% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bristol, CT has a cost-of-living index of 107.9 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $74,535 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $69,078 — a 7.32% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,343
2025 BLS Actual
$71,793
2026 Current Est.
$74,535
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bristol (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,343 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,531 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,225 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,473 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,427 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,646 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,793 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,383 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bristol metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $57,343 (2019) to $71,793 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,383 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,040 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bristol 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) | $46,463 – $61,145 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,145 – $74,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,535 – $95,405 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $95,405 – $115,530 |
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 Bristol
With 13 HVAC mechanics and installers currently employed in Bristol, the local job market remains relatively steady, but the cost-of-living index of 107.9 suggests that while salaries are competitive, the higher expenses may impact purchasing power. Employers that typically offer the most lucrative pay include residential service companies like Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists, as well as commercial HVAC contractors serving industrial and healthcare sectors. The difference in earnings can be attributed to various factors, such as specialization in data center precision cooling and the robust demand for heat pump installations driven by IRA tax credits. Professionals aiming to maximize their earning potential in Bristol may want to focus on obtaining advanced certifications like NATE or pursuing opportunities with larger franchises, which often feature commission structures tied to performance and customer satisfaction. Adapting to evolving market demands related to refrigerants and HVAC technology can further enhance career growth and compensation in this growing field.
More salary data for Bristol, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Bristol, CT in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Bristol?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Bristol?
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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 $71,793 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Bristol 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 Bristol 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