Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Laurel, MD: $59,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Laurel, MD earns a median $59,354/year (≈ $28.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Laurel's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 109.3), that paycheck buys what $54,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Maryland state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Laurel, MD is projected to reach a median of $59,354. This figure reflects not only local market conditions but also the growing demand fueled by the heat pump installation boom and increased access to IRA tax credits. The salary range for this occupation spans from $40,814 at the lower tenth percentile to $90,957 at the upper ninetieth percentile. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, highlight how competitive the job market is as more residents seek energy-efficient solutions for their homes. With strategic growth in the industry, employers in Laurel are eyeing qualified candidates to fill job openings, making it a favorable time for skilled professionals to enter this field.
About the Laurel Market
Salary estimated from Maryland average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,814 | $19.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,795 | $22.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,354 | $28.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,949 | $36.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,957 | $43.73 |
Median Salary Position
1.36% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Laurel
In Laurel, MD, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,143 (2026 est.). At $59,354, the local median is 1.36% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Laurel: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Laurel Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Laurel median: $59,354/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Laurel Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Maryland Average | $62,478 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -1.36% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Laurel, MD earn a median of $59,354 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.36% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.00% below the Maryland state average of $62,478.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Laurel has a cost of living 9.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Laurel, MD has a cost-of-living index of 109.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,354 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,304 — a 8.51% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,663
2025 BLS Actual
$57,170
2026 Current Est.
$59,354
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,663 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,406 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,569 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,155 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,694 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,170 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,621 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Laurel metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $45,663 (2019) to $57,170 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,621 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,958 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Laurel 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) | $40,814 – $47,795 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,795 – $59,354 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,354 – $74,949 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,949 – $90,957 |
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 Laurel
Currently, there are six heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Laurel, MD, indicating a small but steady job market requiring skilled technicians. The slightly elevated cost of living index at 109.3 suggests that although salaries are competitive, take-home pay needs to account for higher expenses in the region. Among the various employers, residential service companies often offer the highest pay along with commission structures that can significantly boost earnings. For instance, technicians specializing in data center operations may earn a stable salary plus overtime, creating a more predictable income environment compared to their residential counterparts. The variance in pay levels can also be influenced by specialty certifications, experience with commercial controls, and participation in on-call rotations. To optimize earning potential, technicians would benefit from pursuing additional certifications such as NATE and ACCA, seeking employment with high-demand employers, and staying informed about advancements in heat pump technology as the market continues to evolve.
More salary data for Laurel, MD:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Laurel?
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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 $57,170 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Laurel 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 Laurel 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