Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Derby, KS: $51,240 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Derby, KS earns a median $51,240/year (≈ $24.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Derby's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $56,370 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Kansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Derby, Kansas, are anticipated to earn a median annual salary of $51,240. This figure reflects the impact of the growing demand for heat pump installations driven by IRA tax credits, reshaping the hiring landscape in the region. The salary range for this occupation in Derby extends from $34,160 at the 10th percentile to $77,385 at the 90th percentile, according to estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price parities. As the workforce adapts to new technologies and regulations, the hiring environment in Derby is poised for potential growth in opportunities and competitive compensation.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,160 | $16.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,467 | $19.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,240 | $24.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,856 | $30.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,385 | $37.21 |
Median Salary Position
14.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Derby
In Derby, KS, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,225 (2026 est.). At $51,240, the local median is 14.85% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Derby: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Derby Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Derby median: $51,240/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Derby Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Kansas Average | $51,968 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -14.85% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Derby, KS earn a median of $51,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.85% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $51,968.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Derby has a cost of living 9.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Derby, KS has a cost-of-living index of 90.9 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $51,240 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,370 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.01% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,421
2025 BLS Actual
$49,355
2026 Current Est.
$51,240
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,421 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,926 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,340 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,573 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,354 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,404 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,355 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,240 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,198 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Derby metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $39,421 (2019) to $49,355 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,198 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,777 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Derby 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) | $34,160 – $40,467 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,467 – $51,240 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,240 – $63,856 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,856 – $77,385 |
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 Derby
In Derby, only four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed, highlighting a niche local market for these skilled trades. The cost of living index stands at 90.9, indicating that the purchasing power for residents is slightly below the national average, which influences overall earnings dynamics in this region. Among employers, commercial HVAC contractors often provide higher salaries, especially for those specializing in precision cooling for data centers, while residential service companies may offer variable pay structures based on commission. The disparity in compensation can stem from various factors, such as the increasing specialization in technology, certification requirements, and the urgency to meet new market demands, particularly in heat pump installations. For those seeking to maximize their earnings, obtaining state contractor licenses, brand-specific certifications, and pursuing continuing education through organizations like NATE can significantly enhance job prospects, positioning them to benefit from the ongoing shifts in Derby's HVAC market.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
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 $49,355 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Derby 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 Derby 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