Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Marlborough, MA: $71,646 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Marlborough, MA earns a median $71,646/year (≈ $34.45/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Marlborough's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $66,033 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.3% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Marlborough, Massachusetts, the projected 2026 median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $71,646, which reflects a significant increase compared to the national median of $60,174. The salary range spans from $47,896 at the 10th percentile to $105,646 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the earning potential in this specialized field. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional economic factors. The local job market offers opportunities in both residential and commercial sectors, with variations in compensation driven by the emphasis on commissions and sales in residential service companies. In a city like Marlborough, where HVAC demand is on the rise, mechanics can enhance their earnings through strategic employment at high-volume service firms or specialized contractors.
About the Marlborough Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,896 | $23.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,681 | $27.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,646 | $34.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,944 | $42.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,646 | $50.79 |
Median Salary Position
19.06% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Marlborough
In Marlborough, MA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,750 (2026 est.). At $71,646, the local median is 19.06% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Marlborough: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Marlborough Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Marlborough median: $71,646/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Marlborough Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $72,590 | -1.30% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +19.06% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Marlborough, MA earn a median of $71,646 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.06% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $72,590.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Marlborough has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Marlborough, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,646 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,033 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,120
2025 BLS Actual
$69,010
2026 Current Est.
$71,646
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Marlborough (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,120 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,224 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,007 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,129 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,814 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,119 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,010 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,646 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,383 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Marlborough metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $55,120 (2019) to $69,010 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,383 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,263 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Marlborough 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) | $47,896 – $56,681 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,681 – $71,646 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,646 – $87,944 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,944 – $105,646 |
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 Marlborough
The job market in Marlborough employs approximately 10 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, while a cost of living index of 108.5 suggests that while earnings may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be affected. Among local employers, residential service companies such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists tend to offer higher wages due to their commission structures, which can significantly boost total compensation for technicians. On the other hand, commercial HVAC and technical support roles at manufacturers like Carrier and Trane may offer more stable salaries with benefits. Factors influencing pay variability include specialty skills in areas such as data center cooling, licensing, and certifications like NATE. As the demand for heat pumps and energy-efficient systems continues to grow, technicians with relevant certifications and those willing to take on additional responsibilities can maximize their earnings potential in Marlborough, MA.
More salary data for Marlborough, MA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Marlborough, MA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Marlborough, MA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Marlborough, MA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Marlborough, MA in 2026?
Is Marlborough, 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 Marlborough?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Marlborough?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Marlborough?
Related Pages
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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 $69,010 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Marlborough 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 Marlborough 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