Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Gary, IN: $59,453 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Gary, IN earns a median $59,453/year (≈ $28.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Gary's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $65,118 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% above the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Gary, Indiana, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $59,453 in 2026. The salary range for professionals in this field spans from $37,951 at the 10th percentile to $92,152 at the 90th percentile, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the local job market. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, indicate that while the median pay is slightly below the national figure of $60,174, various compensation structures can significantly impact earnings. Notably, the commission and spiff structures at residential service companies can incentivize technicians, particularly in high-volume settings, to earn even higher wages, making the job market competitive for skilled workers in Gary.
About the Gary Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,951 | $18.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,872 | $22.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,453 | $28.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,646 | $35.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $92,152 | $44.30 |
Median Salary Position
1.2% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gary
In Gary, IN, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,201 (2026 est.). At $59,453, the local median is 1.2% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gary: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gary Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Gary median: $59,453/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gary Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $59,393 | +0.10% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -1.20% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Gary, IN earn a median of $59,453 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.20% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.10% above the Indiana state average of $59,393.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gary has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gary, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $59,453 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,118 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,739
2025 BLS Actual
$57,265
2026 Current Est.
$59,453
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Gary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,739 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,485 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,645 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,236 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,783 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,194 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,265 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,453 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,724 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gary metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $45,739 (2019) to $57,265 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,724 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,985 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gary 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) | $37,951 – $45,872 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,872 – $59,453 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,453 – $73,646 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,646 – $92,152 |
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 Gary
While only 14 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed in Gary, the local market offers promising potential. With a cost-of-living index at 91.3, professionals in this field can enjoy greater purchasing power compared to national averages. The highest-paying employers include residential service companies like Carrier dealers and multi-location franchises such as One Hour Heating & Air. Additionally, commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial buildings and hospitals may offer substantial salaries, particularly for technicians with specialized skills. Factors driving the range in pay include the distinction between residential service and commercial work, on-call rotation premiums, and the influence of commission-based earnings from residential contracts. Technicians aiming to maximize their earning potential in Gary should consider obtaining advanced certifications like NATE and pursuing business ownership states with a contractor license. Keeping abreast of industry shifts, such as the increase in heat pump installations spurred by the IRA tax credits, can further enhance market value.
More salary data for Gary, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Gary, IN in 2026?
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Gary?
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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 $57,265 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Gary 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 Gary 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