Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Dunedin, FL: $51,688 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Dunedin, FL earns a median $51,688/year (≈ $24.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Dunedin's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $51,278 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.2% below the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Dunedin is projected to reach a median annual figure of $51,688 in 2026. This local estimate falls short of the national median of $60,174, reflecting a difference that highlights both regional economic factors and market dynamics. Salaries in Dunedin range significantly, from a low of $36,068 at the 10th percentile to as high as $78,382 at the 90th percentile. While the local workforce is small, with just six mechanics and installers employed in the area, the variability in pay is often driven by commission structures at residential service companies. Those working with high-volume sales can earn considerably more through spiffs and performance-based incentives, contributing to Dunedin's unique job market for HVAC professionals.
About the Dunedin Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,068 | $17.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,171 | $20.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,688 | $24.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $64,608 | $31.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,382 | $37.69 |
Median Salary Position
14.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dunedin
In Dunedin, FL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,314 (2026 est.). At $51,688, the local median is 14.1% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dunedin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dunedin Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Dunedin median: $51,688/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dunedin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $53,954 | -4.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -14.10% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Dunedin, FL earn a median of $51,688 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.10% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.20% below the Florida state average of $53,954.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dunedin has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dunedin, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $51,688 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $51,278 — a 0.79% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$39,765
2025 BLS Actual
$49,786
2026 Current Est.
$51,688
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Dunedin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,765 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,283 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,684 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,936 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,759 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,235 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,786 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,688 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,662 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dunedin metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $39,765 (2019) to $49,786 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,662 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,897 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dunedin 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) | $36,068 – $42,171 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,171 – $51,688 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,688 – $64,608 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $64,608 – $78,382 |
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 Dunedin
Analyzing the local job market, the cost of living index currently sits at 100.8, suggesting that while salaries are below the national averages, they are fairly competitive within the local context. Employers that offer the highest pay include residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and specialist firms in refrigeration. Notably, the demand for advanced services, such as precision cooling for data centers and compliance with new refrigerant regulations, can place upward pressure on wages. Factors driving the difference in salary range include the complexity of the work performed, involvement in on-call rotations, and the potential for supplementary income through sales commissions. For those looking to maximize earning potential in Dunedin, gaining brand-specific certifications such as NATE or becoming a licensed state contractor can significantly enhance job prospects and pay scales, especially as the market adapts to growing trends like heat pump installation driven by recently enacted tax incentives.
More salary data for Dunedin, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Dunedin, FL in 2026?
Is Dunedin, FL 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 Dunedin?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Dunedin?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Dunedin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Florida
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 $49,786 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Dunedin 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 Dunedin 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