Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Melbourne, FL: $57,758 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Melbourne, FL earns a median $57,758/year (≈ $27.77/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Melbourne's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.8), that paycheck buys what $57,300 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% above the Florida state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the rise of the heat pump market fueled by the recent IRA tax credits, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Melbourne has reached a promising median of $57,758 for 2026. This figure represents a competitive range, with earnings spanning from $37,948 at the 10th percentile to $88,569 at the 90th percentile. These localized estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, highlight the increasing demand for skilled technicians in a rapidly evolving industry. As the climate continues to warm and the need for efficient cooling solutions grows, Melbourne's job market is poised to expand, creating more opportunities for those entering this field.
About the Melbourne Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,948 | $18.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,375 | $21.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,758 | $27.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,267 | $34.75 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,569 | $42.58 |
Median Salary Position
4.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Melbourne
In Melbourne, FL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,621 (2026 est.). At $57,758, the local median is 4.02% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Melbourne: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Melbourne Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Melbourne median: $57,758/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Melbourne Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Florida Average | $53,929 | +7.10% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -4.02% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Melbourne, FL earn a median of $57,758 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.02% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.10% above the Florida state average of $53,929.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Melbourne has a cost of living 0.80% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Melbourne, FL has a cost-of-living index of 100.8 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,758 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,300 — a 0.79% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,435
2025 BLS Actual
$55,633
2026 Current Est.
$57,758
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Melbourne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,435 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,131 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,344 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,861 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,250 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,633 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,758 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,965 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Melbourne metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,435 (2019) to $55,633 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,965 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,530 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Melbourne 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) | $37,948 – $45,375 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,375 – $57,758 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,758 – $72,267 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,267 – $88,569 |
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 Melbourne
In Melbourne, FL, there are currently 12 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed, showcasing a small but essential workforce in the area. The cost-of-living index stands at 100.8, slightly above the national average, which influences take-home purchasing power significantly. Among employers, commercial HVAC contractors and large data center operations typically offer higher salaries due to the complexity and demands of their work compared to residential service companies. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to specialty areas, such as precision cooling for data centers, as well as commission structures prevalent in residential sectors that can elevate potential earnings. To maximize pay, technicians should consider obtaining brand-specific certifications, such as becoming a NATE-certified technician or securing a state contractor license for business ownership. As the demand for heat pump installations accelerates, those who effectively position themselves in this growing niche will find superior opportunities in Melbourne's HVAC market.
More salary data for Melbourne, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Melbourne, FL in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Melbourne?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Melbourne?
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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 $55,633 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Melbourne 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 Melbourne 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