Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Elk River, MN: $74,087 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Elk River, MN earns a median $74,087/year (≈ $35.62/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Elk River's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $75,215 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elk River, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $74,087 for 2026, significantly above the national median of $60,174. This salary range reflects a comprehensive overview of local compensation, with entry-level positions starting around $52,471 and experienced professionals earning up to $114,835. Such figures are informed by estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost factors. The increasing demand for heat pump installations and benefits from the IRA tax credit are reshaping the hiring landscape, drawing more technicians into a market where the combination of state licensing and specialized skills can yield lucrative opportunities.
About the Elk River Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,471 | $25.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,786 | $29.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $74,087 | $35.62 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $90,155 | $43.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $114,835 | $55.21 |
Median Salary Position
23.12% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elk River
In Elk River, MN, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,364 (2026 est.). At $74,087, the local median is 23.12% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elk River: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elk River Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Elk River median: $74,087/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elk River Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $75,599 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +23.12% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Elk River, MN earn a median of $74,087 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.12% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.00% below the Minnesota state average of $75,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elk River has a cost of living 1.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elk River, MN has a cost-of-living index of 98.5 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $74,087 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,215 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$56,998
2025 BLS Actual
$71,361
2026 Current Est.
$74,087
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Elk River (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,998 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,173 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,881 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,109 | Actual |
| 2023 | $67,022 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,693 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,361 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,087 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,917 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elk River metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $56,998 (2019) to $71,361 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,917 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,919 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elk River 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) | $52,471 – $60,786 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,786 – $74,087 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $74,087 – $90,155 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $90,155 – $114,835 |
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 Elk River
Currently, there are four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Elk River, showcasing a niche market that nevertheless shows potential for growth. With a cost-of-living index of 98.5, the local economy provides a favorable purchasing power compared to many other regions, allowing for a better quality of life even with competitive salaries. Employers like residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors are likely to offer the highest pay, particularly those engaged in specialized services such as data center operations or refrigeration for food service. The variance in compensation can stem from specialty skills, commission structures, and state certifications, making it essential for local technicians to stay informed about market trends and continuing education opportunities. With the ongoing shift toward heat pump technology and the transition to new refrigerants, those positioned for adaptability can maximize their earning potential in Elk River’s evolving HVAC landscape.
More salary data for Elk River, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Elk River, MN in 2026?
Is Elk River, MN 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 Elk River?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Elk River?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Elk River?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Minnesota
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 $71,361 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Elk River 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 Elk River 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