Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Portland, ME: $62,941 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in South Portland, ME earns a median $62,941/year (≈ $30.26/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in South Portland's price level (0% above national, BEA RPP 99.6), that paycheck buys what $63,194 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 10.5% above the Maine state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Portland, Maine, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary prospects demonstrate a promising financial outlook, with a projected median annual salary of $62,941 for 2026. Salaries in this field can range from $44,717 at the 10th percentile to as high as $96,385 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures reflect the localized data derived from BLS state-level analyses and regional price adjustments. Professionals serving commercial entities, such as data centers, often command higher wages compared to those dedicated to residential service, creating a significant pay divide influenced by the complexities and demands of the work involved.
About the South Portland Market
Salary estimated from Maine average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,717 | $21.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,543 | $24.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,941 | $30.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,246 | $38.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,385 | $46.33 |
Median Salary Position
4.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Portland
In South Portland, ME, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,668 (2026 est.). At $62,941, the local median is 4.6% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Portland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Portland Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
South Portland median: $62,941/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Portland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maine Average | $56,960 | +10.50% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +4.60% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in South Portland, ME earn a median of $62,941 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.60% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 10.50% above the Maine state average of $56,960.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Portland has a cost of living 0.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Portland, ME has a cost-of-living index of 99.6 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $62,941 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,194 in an average-cost city — an effective 0.4% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,422
2025 BLS Actual
$60,625
2026 Current Est.
$62,941
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Portland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,422 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,271 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,323 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,066 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,938 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,795 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,625 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,941 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,345 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Portland metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $48,422 (2019) to $60,625 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,345 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,923 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Portland 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) | $44,717 – $50,543 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,543 – $62,941 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,941 – $79,246 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,246 – $96,385 |
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 South Portland
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in South Portland is relatively stable, with four individuals currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 99.6, slightly below the national average, it’s essential for industry professionals to strategically consider their revenue potential against local expenses. Top-paying employers often include commercial HVAC contractors serving larger facilities—like hospitals and schools—as well as large data center operations, which tend to offer more consistent salaries and benefits. Factors such as a technician's specialization in high-demand areas, their experience with cutting-edge refrigerants, and any additional qualifications, such as NATE certification or state contractor licensing, can significantly influence earning potential. For those looking to maximize their heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in South Portland, pursuing skills aligned with emerging technologies, such as heat pump installations, or seeking positions that offer commission opportunities in residential services may yield the best outcomes.
More salary data for South Portland, ME:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in South Portland, ME
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Portland, ME
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Portland, ME
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in South Portland, ME in 2026?
Is South Portland, ME 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 South Portland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in South Portland?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in South Portland?
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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 $60,625 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the South Portland 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 South Portland 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