Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Braintree, MA: $70,047 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Braintree, MA earns a median $70,047/year (≈ $33.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Braintree's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $64,559 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Projected for 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Braintree, MA, are expected to earn a median annual salary of $70,047, which is significantly higher than the national median of $60,174. The salary range in Braintree will span from $49,683 at the 10th percentile to $107,169 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a substantial earning potential for those within the trade. These figures, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, reflect the local job market's response to increased demand for skilled technicians, particularly as the heat pump and IRA tax credit initiatives reshape hiring strategies. The presence of tax credits encouraging heat pump installations is likely to boost employment opportunities, making Braintree an appealing location for mechanics and installers in this evolving sector.
About the Braintree Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,683 | $23.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,744 | $27.76 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,047 | $33.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,134 | $42.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,169 | $51.53 |
Median Salary Position
16.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Braintree
In Braintree, MA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,486 (2026 est.). At $70,047, the local median is 16.41% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Braintree: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Braintree Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Braintree median: $70,047/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Braintree Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $72,588 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +16.41% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Braintree, MA earn a median of $70,047 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.41% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.50% below the Massachusetts state average of $72,588.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Braintree has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Braintree, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,047 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $64,559 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,890
2025 BLS Actual
$67,470
2026 Current Est.
$70,047
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Braintree (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,890 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,947 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,779 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,831 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,367 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,398 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,470 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,047 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,723 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Braintree metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,890 (2019) to $67,470 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,723 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,833 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Braintree 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) | $49,683 – $57,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,744 – $70,047 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,047 – $88,134 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,134 – $107,169 |
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 Braintree
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Braintree is relatively active, with around seven professionals employed in this field. With a cost of living index of 108.5, which is above the national average, understanding compensation dynamics is key for prospective technicians. Employers in Braintree, ranging from residential service companies like Carrier dealers and multi-location franchises to commercial HVAC contractors, tend to differentiate pay scales based on specialization and demand. For instance, those working on precision cooling in data centers or commercial environments may receive higher salaries than those in residential roles. Commission structures can further amplify earnings in residential service roles. However, acquiring state contractor licensing and industry certifications like NATE can significantly influence earning potential. Given the increasing demand for environmentally friendly technologies such as heat pumps, focusing on these areas may enhance job prospects and salary outcomes for technicians in Braintree, MA.
More salary data for Braintree, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Braintree, MA in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Braintree?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Braintree?
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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 $67,470 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Braintree 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 Braintree 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