Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Medford, MA: $71,716 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Medford, MA earns a median $71,716/year (≈ $34.48/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Medford's price level (9% above national, BEA RPP 108.5), that paycheck buys what $66,098 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Massachusetts state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Medford, Massachusetts, the estimated salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a competitive $71,716 for 2026. The salary range reflects a diverse job market, with entry-level positions starting at $49,919 and experienced professionals potentially earning up to $111,159. These numbers are derived from state-level data and regional cost adjustments, showing that even compared to a national median of $60,174, Medford's pay significantly exceeds that by approximately 19.18%. The distinct divide between commercial and residential service work often influences compensation, with specialists in commercial HVAC systems and large data center operations frequently securing higher wages than those focused solely on residential services. This pay structure mirrors the growing demand for climate control in various sectors, ensuring that the job market remains robust in Medford.
About the Medford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,919 | $24.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,494 | $28.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,716 | $34.48 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,207 | $42.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $111,159 | $53.45 |
Median Salary Position
19.18% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Medford
In Medford, MA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,240 (2026 est.). At $71,716, the local median is 19.18% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Medford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Medford Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Medford median: $71,716/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Medford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Massachusetts Average | $72,587 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +19.18% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Medford, MA earn a median of $71,716 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.18% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.20% below the Massachusetts state average of $72,587.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Medford has a cost of living 8.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Medford, MA has a cost-of-living index of 108.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $71,716 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,098 — a 7.83% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,173
2025 BLS Actual
$69,077
2026 Current Est.
$71,716
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Medford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,173 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,279 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,185 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,876 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,077 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,716 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,455 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Medford metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $55,173 (2019) to $69,077 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,455 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,282 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Medford 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) | $49,919 – $58,494 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,494 – $71,716 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,716 – $89,207 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,207 – $111,159 |
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 Medford
While 11 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed in Medford, the cost of living index of 108.5 indicates that take-home pay is impacted by local expenses. Employers such as Carrier dealers, Trane Comfort Specialists, and multi-location franchises often pay more for skilled technicians, especially those holding industry certifications like NATE or ACCA accreditation. In this market, high-demand specialties such as precision cooling for data centers and heat pump installations—exacerbated by IRA tax credits—can command premium wages. Many residential service providers also offer commission structures that, while competitive, may pressure technicians with a high-volume workload to meet sales targets. To maximize earning potential, technicians in Medford should focus on obtaining advanced certifications and gain experience in high-demand commercial roles, which offer more stability and higher pay.
More salary data for Medford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Medford, MA in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Medford?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Medford?
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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 $69,077 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Medford 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 Medford 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