Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cedar Falls, IA: $60,842 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Cedar Falls, IA earns a median $60,842/year (≈ $29.25/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Cedar Falls's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $67,303 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.1% above the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Cedar Falls is projected to reach a median annual figure of $60,842, slightly above the national median of $60,174. Local estimates reflect a total salary range from $39,140 at the lower tenth percentile (P10) to $90,140 at the upper tenth percentile (P90). These figures account for the regional cost of living adjustments noted in the 2025 BLS data. The compensation for these skilled trades often varies significantly based on the commission structure in residential service companies, where success in sales can substantially boost earnings. Given the competitive nature of the job market in Cedar Falls, professionals looking to make their mark in this field will find opportunities that align with their skills and interests, especially as more homeowners seek energy-efficient solutions.
About the Cedar Falls Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,140 | $18.82 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,754 | $24.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,842 | $29.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,895 | $36.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,140 | $43.33 |
Median Salary Position
1.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cedar Falls
In Cedar Falls, IA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,000 (2026 est.). At $60,842, the local median is 1.11% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Cedar Falls: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cedar Falls Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Cedar Falls median: $60,842/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cedar Falls Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $60,180 | +1.10% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +1.11% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Cedar Falls, IA earn a median of $60,842 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.11% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.10% above the Iowa state average of $60,180.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cedar Falls has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cedar Falls, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $60,842 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $67,303 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,807
2025 BLS Actual
$58,603
2026 Current Est.
$60,842
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Cedar Falls (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,594 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,711 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,363 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,039 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,943 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,603 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,842 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,166 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cedar Falls metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $46,807 (2019) to $58,603 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,166 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,359 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cedar Falls 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) | $39,140 – $50,754 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,754 – $60,842 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,842 – $74,895 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,895 – $90,140 |
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 Cedar Falls
The employment landscape in Cedar Falls consists of around 8 mechanics and installers, a figure that illustrates both a stable job market and the limited pool of skilled professionals. With a cost of living index at 90.4, workers enjoy a favorable purchasing power compared to the national average. High-paying employers include residential service providers like Carrier and Trane dealers, along with commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial facilities and schools. The disparity in pay within the field arises from several factors, including specialization in commercial controls or data center precision cooling, commission-based incentives that can elevate earnings for those engaged in residential sales, and demand for technicians skilled in emerging technologies like heat pumps. For those in Cedar Falls looking to maximize pay, focusing on securing state contractor licenses, brand certifications such as NATE, and expanding expertise in high-demand areas can lead to enhanced career trajectories and increased incomes.
More salary data for Cedar Falls, IA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Cedar Falls, IA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cedar Falls, IA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cedar Falls, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Cedar Falls, IA in 2026?
Is Cedar Falls, IA 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 Cedar Falls?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Cedar Falls?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Cedar Falls?
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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 $58,603 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Cedar Falls 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 Cedar Falls 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