Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Ames, IA: $59,602 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Ames, IA earns a median $59,602/year (≈ $28.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Ames's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.8), that paycheck buys what $67,097 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Iowa state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Ames, Iowa, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $59,602, just slightly below the national median of $60,174. The salary range for this profession in Ames extends from $40,724 at the 10th percentile to $78,795 at the 90th percentile. These figures are derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys, highlighting an important distinction in pay scales between commercial data center HVAC roles and residential service positions. This divergence is significant, as jobs in commercial HVAC often offer more stable salaries and overtime opportunities compared to the commission-driven pay structure typically associated with residential services. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for those seeking to maximize their earnings in the local job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,724 | $19.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,157 | $23.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,602 | $28.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,532 | $34.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,795 | $37.88 |
Median Salary Position
0.95% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ames
In Ames, IA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $38,071 (2026 est.). At $59,602, the local median is 0.95% below the national median of $60,174.
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How Ames Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Ames median: $59,602/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ames Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $60,204 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -0.95% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Ames, IA earn a median of $59,602 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.95% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.00% below the Iowa state average of $60,204.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ames has a cost of living 11.17% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ames, IA has a cost-of-living index of 88.83 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $59,602 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,097 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.58% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,890
2025 BLS Actual
$57,409
2026 Current Est.
$59,602
2019–2027 Growth
+17.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ames (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,480 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,870 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,890 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,980 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,409 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,602 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,879 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ames metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 8.5% from $52,890 (2019) to $57,409 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,879 by 2027 — a total increase of $8,989 (17.00%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ames 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) | $40,724 – $49,157 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,157 – $59,602 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,602 – $72,532 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,532 – $78,795 |
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 Ames
Ames has approximately 190 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in the area, which indicates a stable local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 88.83, the purchasing power in Ames is favorable, allowing technicians to enjoy a comfortable lifestyle with their earnings. Major employers include both residential service companies and commercial contractors, with those servicing industrial buildings or data centers often positioned to pay more. Factors influencing the salary range include the specialty of work—for example, data center cooling versus standard residential repairs—as well as pay structures such as potential commissions for residential roles. To maximize earnings, technicians should consider obtaining state contractor licenses, pursuing brand-specific certifications like NATE or becoming a Carrier Distinguished Dealer, and focusing on high-demand specialties like heat pump installation, driven by recent tax credit initiatives. This strategic approach can ensure they are well-positioned within the market as demand continues to grow.
More salary data for Ames, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $57,409 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Ames 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
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