HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Kentwood, MI: $58,314 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Kentwood, MI earns a median $58,314/year (≈ $28.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Kentwood's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $62,569 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the Michigan state average.

$58,314
Median Annual Salary
$28.03/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$39,172
Entry Level (P10)
$90,344
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Kentwood, MI — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Kentwood, MI heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

As of 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Kentwood, MI, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,314, just slightly below the national median of $60,174. Local salaries range from $39,172 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $90,344 at the upper end (90th percentile), indicating a notable disparity based on experience, specialization, and type of employment. The differences in pay can be prominently observed between those working in residential services compared to those in commercial settings, such as data centers where the demand for precise cooling solutions drives compensation higher. These salary estimates are derived from BLS state-level data alongside regional cost adjustments, reflecting Kentwood's economic landscape and its implications for HVAC professionals.

About the Kentwood Market

Salary estimated from Michigan average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$39,172$18.83
Lower Range (P25)$46,454$22.33
Median (P50)(typical)$58,314$28.03
Upper Range (P75)$73,696$35.43
Top Earners (P90)$90,344$43.44

Median Salary Position

$39,172$90,344
City Median: $58,314
National: $60,174
P10–P90 Range

3.09% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kentwood

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Kentwood. The median salary is $58,314, compared to the national median of $60,174.$35.3K$50.2K$65.1K$80.0K$94.9K$39.2K10th Pctl$46.5K25th Pctl$58.3KMedian$73.7K75th Pctl$90.3K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

In Kentwood, MI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,172 (2026 est.). At $58,314, the local median is 3.09% below the national median of $60,174.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Kentwood metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,121
per week
$4,859
per month
$58,305
per year

At 40 hours/week in Kentwood: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Kentwood Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares

Kentwood median: $58,314/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryKentwood Pays
Michigan Average$59,322-1.70% less
National Average$60,174-3.09% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Kentwood ($58,314) with Michigan average ($59,322) and the US national median ($60,174).Kentwood$58,314Michigan Avg$59,322-1.70%US National$60,174-3.09%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Kentwood, MI earn a median of $58,314 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.09% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.70% below the Michigan state average of $59,322.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$58,314
Nominal Salary
93.2
CoL Index
$62,569
Adjusted Salary

Kentwood 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.

The nominal salary is $58,314. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 93.2, the purchasing-power equivalent is $62,569, a gain of $4,255.$49.6K$55.2K$60.8K$66.4K$72.0K$58,314NominalSalary$62,569CoL Adjusted(CoL: 93.2) 7.30%US Median $60.2K

Kentwood, 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 $58,314 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $62,569 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$44,863

2025 BLS Actual

$56,168

2026 Current Est.

$58,314

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kentwood (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Kentwood. Baseline $44,863 in 2025, projected to $60,541 by 2027.$41.6K$47.1K$52.7K$58.2K$63.7K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$44.9K$46.6K$44.8K$47.3K$52.8K$54.4K$56.2K$58.3K$60.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$44,863Actual
2020$46,575Actual
2021$44,771Actual
2022$47,311Actual
2023$52,752Actual
2024$54,380Actual
2025$56,168Actual
2026(current)$58,314Estimated
2027$60,541Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kentwood metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,863 (2019) to $56,168 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,541 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,678 (34.95%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kentwood metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$39,172$46,454
3-5 years (Mid Career)$46,454$58,314
5+ years (Experienced)$58,314$73,696
10+ years (Top Earner)$73,696$90,344

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 Kentwood

Currently, there are only seven heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Kentwood, highlighting a niche job market in this area. The cost of living index stands at 93.2, which is slightly below the national average, suggesting that while salaries may be competitive, they do not significantly exceed living costs. Kentwood’s employers range from major residential service companies, like Carrier and Trane dealers, to commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial facilities and hospitals. Factors influencing the variation in compensation include sales commissions from residential work, premiums for on-call hours, and certifications such as NATE and state licensing that may command higher wages. To maximize earnings in this particular market, technicians should consider pursuing specializations in emerging technologies, such as heat pumps, capitalizing on available tax credits, while also seeking positions in areas where pay structures reward expertise and experience. Understanding the local landscape and actively pursuing professional growth can substantially impact earning potential for HVAC professionals in Kentwood.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Kentwood, MI in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Kentwood is $58,314/year ($28.03/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Salaries range from $39,172 at entry level (10th percentile) to $90,344 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Kentwood at 3.1% below the national median. Full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Kentwood, MI a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Kentwood heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries are 3.1% below the national average and 1.7% below the Michigan state average. The metro area employs approximately 7 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Kentwood?

The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Kentwood is $58,314, and the 90th percentile earns $90,344. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Kentwood?

After adjusting for Kentwood's cost-of-living index of 93.2 (where 100 equals the national average), the $58,314 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $62,569 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 7.3% further in Kentwood compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers seeking strong real wages.

How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Kentwood?

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kentwood earn a median hourly rate of $28.03, which translates to approximately $58,314/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $18.83 for entry-level positions to $43.44 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 $56,168 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Kentwood 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 Kentwood is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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