Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Stockbridge, GA: $48,250 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Stockbridge, GA earns a median $48,250/year (≈ $23.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Stockbridge's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.1), that paycheck buys what $51,826 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% below the Georgia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Stockbridge, Georgia, the projected salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 stands at $48,250 annually, which is significantly lower than the national median of $60,174. Local pay varies substantially depending on the sector; reported earnings range from $32,224 at the lower end (P10) to $71,470 at the upper end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026 with adjustments for regional cost variance, reflect the structural divide in the field between residential service and commercial/data center roles. The dynamic nature of the local market suggests opportunities for mechanics and installers who are equipped to tackle complex HVAC systems in both residential and commercial settings, especially with the expected rise in demand for heat pumps driven by the IRA tax credits.
About the Stockbridge Market
Salary estimated from Georgia average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,224 | $15.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,166 | $19.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,250 | $23.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,276 | $28.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,470 | $34.36 |
Median Salary Position
19.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Stockbridge
In Stockbridge, GA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,246 (2026 est.). At $48,250, the local median is 19.82% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Stockbridge: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Stockbridge Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Stockbridge median: $48,250/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Stockbridge Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $48,787 | -1.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -19.82% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Stockbridge, GA earn a median of $48,250 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.82% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.10% below the Georgia state average of $48,787.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Stockbridge has a cost of living 6.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Stockbridge, GA has a cost-of-living index of 93.1 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $48,250 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,826 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.41% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,121
2025 BLS Actual
$46,475
2026 Current Est.
$48,250
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Stockbridge (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,121 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,537 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,044 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,147 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,649 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,893 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,475 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,250 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,094 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Stockbridge metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $37,121 (2019) to $46,475 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,094 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,973 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stockbridge 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) | $32,224 – $40,166 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,166 – $48,250 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,250 – $59,276 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,276 – $71,470 |
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 Stockbridge
Stockbridge's job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employs six professionals, indicative of a niche yet growing workforce. The local cost-of-living index stands at 93.1, making the effective purchasing power of salaries somewhat impactful. Key employers that offer competitive pay range from commercial HVAC contractors working on industrial buildings or hospitals to multi-location residential service franchises like One Hour Heating & Air. The earnings spread is influenced by various factors, including specialization in areas like data center precision cooling, the commission structures at residential companies, and the on-call rotation premiums that established contractors often impose. For those looking to enhance their pay, developing specialty skills, obtaining brand-specific certifications such as NATE or becoming a licensed state contractor, and building a solid network with HVAC firms in Stockbridge can significantly boost earning potential in this market.
More salary data for Stockbridge, GA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Stockbridge, GA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Stockbridge, GA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Stockbridge, GA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Stockbridge, GA in 2026?
Is Stockbridge, GA 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 Stockbridge?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Stockbridge?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Stockbridge?
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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 $46,475 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Stockbridge 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 Stockbridge 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