Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Indiana: $60,182 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Indiana's 43 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $60,182/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Indiana sits at BEA RPP 91.3 (9% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $65,917 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Kokomo ($61,560), Indianapolis ($59,052), Carmel ($58,535).
In Indiana, the projected average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is $60,182, slightly above the national median of $60,174, reflecting a parity that is indicative of regional demand and cost of living. The highest-paying city is Kokomo at $63,912, while the lowest is Terre Haute at $53,556, creating a salary gap of $10,356. This difference can largely be attributed to local market conditions, cost of living variations, and the concentration of industrial activities that drive demand for skilled technicians. Indiana's mechanics must adhere to state licensing requirements, which include completing relevant training and apprenticeship programs. This ensures a qualified workforce capable of meeting the demands of both residential and commercial sectors. The projected annual growth rate for this occupation is 3.82%, driven by increasing housing starts, renovation efforts, and the need for efficient energy solutions. With approximately 6,290 employed in this field, job opportunities are set to expand, particularly in urban areas like Kokomo, Indianapolis ($61,308), and Carmel ($60,771). The outlook is positive, as ongoing advancements in technology and environmental regulations will likely sustain demand for skilled HVACR professionals across the state.
Indiana Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Indiana: $36,814 (lowest entry-level) to $98,324 (highest top earner)
Indiana vs National Average
Indiana heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 0.01% more than the national median (+$8/year difference).
Indiana Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Indiana range from $41,828 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $95,313 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $60,182. The Indiana median is $8 above the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $28.94/hr. Approximately 6,290 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 43 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$51,771
2025 BLS Actual
$57,968
2026 Current Est.
$60,182
2019–2027 Growth
+20.7%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Indiana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,771 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,919 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,145 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,695 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,863 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,968 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,182 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,481 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Indiana metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 12.0% from $51,771 (2019) to $57,968 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,481 by 2027 — a total increase of $10,710 (20.69%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Indiana 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 Indiana
Lowest Paying Cities in Indiana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Terre Haute | $53,556 |
| Columbus | $53,743 |
| Munster | $54,632 |
| Muncie | $55,085 |
| Avon | $55,811 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Indiana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Indiana cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kokomo | $63,912 | 89.648 | $71,292 |
| Carmel | $60,771 | 91.3 | $66,562 |
| Noblesville | $60,035 | 91.3 | $65,756 |
| Greenwood | $60,035 | 91.3 | $65,756 |
| Michigan City | $59,977 | 91.682 | $65,419 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Indiana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $41,828 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $60,182 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $95,313 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Indiana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 43 Cities in Indiana
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Kokomo | $63,912 |
| 2 | Indianapolis | $61,308 |
| 3 | Carmel | $60,771 |
| 4 | Lafayette | $60,588 |
| 5 | Bloomington | $60,085 |
| 6 | Noblesville | $60,035 |
| 7 | Greenwood | $60,035 |
| 8 | Fort Wayne | $59,997 |
| 9 | Michigan City | $59,977 |
| 10 | West Lafayette | $59,640 |
| 11 | Gary | $59,453 |
| 12 | Fishers | $59,236 |
| 13 | Elkhart | $58,774 |
| 14 | Evansville | $58,684 |
| 15 | Plainfield | $58,675 |
| 16 | South Bend | $58,645 |
| 17 | Valparaiso | $58,569 |
| 18 | Westfield | $58,380 |
| 19 | Franklin | $58,371 |
| 20 | Schererville | $58,242 |
| 21 | Anderson | $58,036 |
| 22 | Goshen | $57,944 |
| 23 | Mishawaka | $57,892 |
| 24 | Richmond | $57,781 |
| 25 | Hammond | $57,754 |
| 26 | Marion | $57,384 |
| 27 | Portage | $57,352 |
| 28 | East Chicago | $57,325 |
| 29 | New Albany | $57,316 |
| 30 | Jeffersonville | $57,205 |
| 31 | Zionsville | $57,044 |
| 32 | Hobart | $57,021 |
| 33 | Merrillville | $56,957 |
| 34 | Granger | $56,938 |
| 35 | Lawrence | $56,804 |
| 36 | Crown Point | $56,569 |
| 37 | Shelbyville | $56,552 |
| 38 | Brownsburg | $56,210 |
| 39 | Avon | $55,811 |
| 40 | Muncie | $55,085 |
| 41 | Munster | $54,632 |
| 42 | Columbus | $53,743 |
| 43 | Terre Haute | $53,556 |
More Indiana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Indiana 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.
Compare Cities in Indiana
View all comparisons →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 Indiana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Indiana?
How does Indiana 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 Indiana?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Indiana?
Which Indiana 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 Indiana. State averages are employment-weighted across 43 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