Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Garden City, MI: $57,693 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Garden City, MI earns a median $57,693/year (≈ $27.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Garden City's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $61,902 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Garden City, MI, can expect a median annual salary of $57,693 in 2026, which is slightly below the national average of $60,174. The local salary range varies significantly, with the lowest 10% earning about $37,033 and the highest 90% reaching up to $88,924. These figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, reflecting the local job market dynamics. Factors such as commission structures at residential service companies can greatly influence earnings, as technicians often receive bonuses tied to sales performance, potentially elevating their compensation beyond base salaries. With a competitive job environment, Garden City presents opportunities for savvy professionals to enhance their income.
About the Garden City Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,033 | $17.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,069 | $23.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,693 | $27.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,118 | $35.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,924 | $42.75 |
Median Salary Position
4.12% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Garden City
In Garden City, MI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,891 (2026 est.). At $57,693, the local median is 4.12% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Garden City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Garden City Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Garden City median: $57,693/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Garden City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $59,355 | -2.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -4.12% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Garden City, MI earn a median of $57,693 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.12% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.80% below the Michigan state average of $59,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Garden City has a cost of living 6.80% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Garden City, MI has a cost-of-living index of 93.2 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $57,693 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,902 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,385
2025 BLS Actual
$55,570
2026 Current Est.
$57,693
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Garden City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,385 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,079 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,294 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,808 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,191 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,362 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,570 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,693 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,897 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Garden City metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,385 (2019) to $55,570 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,897 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,512 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Garden City 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) | $37,033 – $48,069 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,069 – $57,693 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,693 – $73,118 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,118 – $88,924 |
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 Garden City
The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is relatively tight, with only four professionals employed in Garden City, indicating a niche workforce. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.2, below the national average, which means that although salaries may appear lower than the national figures, local purchasing power can be more favorable. Among employers, residential service companies tend to offer the most lucrative positions, driven by performance-based pay structures tailored to increasing sales and customer satisfaction. The variation in salaries results from specialties within the industry; technicians focusing on commercial HVAC operations may earn consistent salaries without the variable income tied to residential services. As the market shifts, especially with the IRS incentivizing heat pump installations, technicians can maximize their earnings by obtaining relevant certifications such as NATE or being part of specialized training programs. This sector offers clear pathways for career development, particularly for those looking to distinguish themselves in a growing market.
More salary data for Garden City, MI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Garden City, MI
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Garden City, MI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Garden City, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Garden City, MI in 2026?
Is Garden City, MI 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 Garden City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Garden City?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Garden City?
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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 $55,570 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Garden City 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 Garden City 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