Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Chelmsford, MA: $68,988 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Chelmsford, MA earns a median $68,988/year (≈ $33.17/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Chelmsford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $63,583 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.9% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Chelmsford, the 2026 median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $68,988, representing a notable 14.65% increase compared to the national median of $60,174. This salary range varies significantly, from $47,220 at the 10th percentile to $105,977 at the 90th percentile, highlighting a diverse market where specialization can influence compensation substantially. The figures are based on projections derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations. Chelmsford, with its blend of commercial and residential service demand, presents a unique job market, where mechanical expertise particularly in data centers or commercial HVAC operations allows for the higher wages that can be commanded by skilled technicians.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,220 | $22.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,607 | $26.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,988 | $33.17 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,062 | $41.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,977 | $50.95 |
Median Salary Position
14.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chelmsford
In Chelmsford, MA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,757 (2026 est.). At $68,988, the local median is 14.65% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Chelmsford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Chelmsford Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Chelmsford median: $68,988/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chelmsford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $72,543 | -4.90% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +14.65% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $68,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.65% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $72,543.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chelmsford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chelmsford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,988 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,583 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,075
2025 BLS Actual
$66,450
2026 Current Est.
$68,988
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,075 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,966 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,972 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,409 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,258 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,450 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,988 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,624 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chelmsford metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,075 (2019) to $66,450 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,624 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,549 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chelmsford 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) | $47,220 – $55,607 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,607 – $68,988 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,988 – $87,062 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,062 – $105,977 |
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 Chelmsford
The local employment scene currently involves eight heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, which suggests a concentrated market with specific demand. The cost-of-living index in Chelmsford stands at 108.5, indicating that while salaries are competitive, the purchasing power may be influenced by local living expenses. Employers vary in their pay structures: commercial HVAC contractors and data center operations often provide more consistent salary packages, while residential service companies may incorporate commission-based structures where employees can see their earnings fluctuate. Factors that lead to significant pay differences include specialty areas like data center precision cooling, the requirement of state contractor licenses, and brand-specific certifications such as NATE. To maximize earnings in this Chelmsford market, technicians should focus on diversifying skills, pursuing certifications, and exploring opportunities in high-demand sectors like heat pump installations, especially given the current demand stimulated by tax credits related to IRA initiatives.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Chelmsford, MA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Chelmsford, MA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Chelmsford, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Chelmsford, MA in 2026?
Is Chelmsford, MA 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 Chelmsford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Chelmsford?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Chelmsford?
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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 $66,450 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford 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