Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Kentucky: $58,097 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Kentucky's 21 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $58,097/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Kentucky sits at BEA RPP 89.3 (11% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $65,058 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Louisville ($59,834), Lexington ($57,266), Owensboro ($57,057).
In Kentucky, the average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is projected to be $58,098, slightly below the national median of $60,174 by about 3.4%. Among Kentucky's cities, Louisville offers the highest pay at $62,120, while Ashland presents the lowest at $48,770, creating a salary gap of $13,350. This difference can be attributed to varying demand levels, economic conditions, and the cost of living between urban and rural areas. In Kentucky, mechanics and installers must meet state licensing requirements, which can influence job accessibility and professional development. The scope of practice laws also shape what services are provided, potentially impacting earnings. Factors driving demand include ongoing construction projects, maintenance needs for existing systems, and the increasing focus on energy efficiency. With a projected growth rate of 3.82%, the job market for this field appears stable, aligning with the overall increasing demand for skilled trades in Kentucky. The total employment for this profession stands at 3,478, indicating solid opportunities for newcomers and those looking to advance in their careers. Understanding these dynamics can help aspiring professionals navigate their future in this sector effectively.
Kentucky Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Kentucky: $32,960 (lowest entry-level) to $96,286 (highest top earner)
Kentucky vs National Average
Kentucky heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 3.45% less than the national median ($-2,077/year difference).
Kentucky Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Kentucky range from $42,044 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $78,766 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $58,097. The Kentucky median is $2,077 below the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $27.93/hr. Approximately 3,478 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 21 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$42,796
2025 BLS Actual
$55,960
2026 Current Est.
$58,097
2019–2027 Growth
+40.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kentucky (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,796 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,688 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,437 | Actual |
| 2022 | $49,479 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,848 | Actual |
| 2024 | $58,118 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,960 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,097 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,317 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentucky metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 30.8% from $42,796 (2019) to $55,960 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,317 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,521 (40.94%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentucky 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 Kentucky
Lowest Paying Cities in Kentucky
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Ashland | $48,770 |
| Murray | $53,292 |
| Jeffersontown | $54,091 |
| Madisonville | $54,282 |
| Bowling Green | $54,473 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kentucky
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Kentucky cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Louisville | $62,120 | 89.3 | $69,563 |
| Owensboro | $59,237 | 88.61 | $66,851 |
| Paducah | $55,834 | 86.084 | $64,860 |
| Lexington | $59,454 | 92.889 | $64,005 |
| Independence | $56,527 | 89.3 | $63,300 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Kentucky
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $42,044 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $58,097 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $78,766 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Kentucky metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 21 Cities in Kentucky
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Louisville | $62,120 |
| 2 | Lexington | $59,454 |
| 3 | Owensboro | $59,237 |
| 4 | Louisville/Jefferson County | $58,123 |
| 5 | Independence | $56,527 |
| 6 | Florence | $56,460 |
| 7 | Covington | $56,222 |
| 8 | Nicholasville | $56,116 |
| 9 | Richmond | $56,102 |
| 10 | Paducah | $55,834 |
| 11 | Frankfort | $55,816 |
| 12 | Henderson | $55,722 |
| 13 | Hopkinsville | $55,523 |
| 14 | Elizabethtown | $54,976 |
| 15 | Radcliff | $54,676 |
| 16 | Georgetown | $54,485 |
| 17 | Bowling Green | $54,473 |
| 18 | Madisonville | $54,282 |
| 19 | Jeffersontown | $54,091 |
| 20 | Murray | $53,292 |
| 21 | Ashland | $48,770 |
More Kentucky Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Kentucky 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.
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 Kentucky in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Kentucky?
How does Kentucky 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 Kentucky?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Kentucky?
Which Kentucky 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 Kentucky. State averages are employment-weighted across 21 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