Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Ypsilanti, MI: $55,198 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Ypsilanti, MI earns a median $55,198/year (≈ $26.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Ypsilanti's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.2), that paycheck buys what $59,225 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Michigan state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, Ypsilanti, MI, projects a median salary of $55,198 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. Given the local commission structures—especially in residential service—that can drive variable income through spiffs and sales, many technicians may find their earnings can significantly exceed this median. The salary range is quite broad, spanning from $40,122 at the 10th percentile to as much as $83,159 at the 90th percentile, illustrating the varied compensation based on skill level, experience, and the specific type of employer. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for regional costs, present a competitive yet challenging landscape for workers in Ypsilanti.
About the Ypsilanti Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($60,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,122 | $19.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,846 | $22.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,198 | $26.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,185 | $33.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,159 | $39.98 |
Median Salary Position
8.27% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ypsilanti
In Ypsilanti, MI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,037 (2026 est.). At $55,198, the local median is 8.27% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ypsilanti: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ypsilanti Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Ypsilanti median: $55,198/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ypsilanti Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $59,353 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -8.27% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Ypsilanti, MI earn a median of $55,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.27% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.00% below the Michigan state average of $59,353.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ypsilanti 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.
Ypsilanti, 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 $55,198 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,225 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.3% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,466
2025 BLS Actual
$53,167
2026 Current Est.
$55,198
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ypsilanti (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,466 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,087 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,378 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,784 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,012 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,167 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,198 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,307 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ypsilanti metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $42,466 (2019) to $53,167 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,307 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,841 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ypsilanti 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) | $40,122 – $45,846 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,846 – $55,198 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,198 – $69,185 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,185 – $83,159 |
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 Ypsilanti
Evaluating the local job market reveals that there are only four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in the area. With a cost-of-living index of 93.2, take-home pay must be carefully managed to maintain purchasing power in Ypsilanti. The highest compensation often resides in commercial HVAC contracting, particularly for roles involving data center operations and specialized refrigeration work. In this context, variables such as certification in EPA Section 608, NATE credentials, or state HVAC contractor licensing can drive salary growth. The variance in pay stems from several factors, including the specialty of on-call roles, commissions in residential service firms, and the burgeoning demand for heat pump installations fueled by recent tax credits. For those aiming to maximize earnings, pursuing certifications, gaining experience in high-demand commercial sectors, and leveraging residential commission opportunities will be critical strategies in navigating the employment climate in Ypsilanti, MI.
More salary data for Ypsilanti, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $53,167 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Ypsilanti 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 Ypsilanti 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