Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Faribault, MN: $71,432 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Faribault, MN earns a median $71,432/year (≈ $34.34/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Faribault's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $72,520 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.5% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Faribault, Minnesota, is $71,432, reflecting a notable increase compared to national standards, which sit at $60,174. The local salary range spans from $47,721 at the 10th percentile to $107,069 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the income potential within this trade. These figures emerge from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional pricing, illustrating how competition and demand vary between commercial entities, like data centers, and residential service providers. The job market in Faribault benefits from a blend of both sectors, influencing the earning capacity of technicians based on their specialization and experience.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,721 | $22.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,275 | $27.06 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,432 | $34.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,407 | $42.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,069 | $51.47 |
Median Salary Position
18.71% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Faribault
In Faribault, MN, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,348 (2026 est.). At $71,432, the local median is 18.71% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Faribault: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Faribault Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Faribault median: $71,432/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Faribault Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $75,590 | -5.50% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +18.71% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Faribault, MN earn a median of $71,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.71% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 5.50% below the Minnesota state average of $75,590.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Faribault 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.
Faribault, 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 $71,432 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,520 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,955
2025 BLS Actual
$68,804
2026 Current Est.
$71,432
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,053 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,842 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,955 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,620 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,410 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,804 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,432 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,161 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Faribault metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $54,955 (2019) to $68,804 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,161 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,206 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Faribault 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) | $47,721 – $56,275 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,275 – $71,432 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,432 – $89,407 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,407 – $107,069 |
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 Faribault
Currently, Faribault employs six heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, positioning itself within a modest but viable market for HVAC professionals. The cost of living index in the area stands at 98.5, implying that salaries tend to stretch further here than in many national contexts. When evaluating potential employers, commercial HVAC contractors, particularly those servicing industrial facilities or large data centers, often offer more stable salaries compared to residential service companies that frequently lean on commission structures. Factors contributing to the salary discrepancy include seasonal service demands, the necessity for specialized skills in areas like data center cooling, and certifications from programs like NATE. As the market transitions to incorporate modern technologies such as heat pumps—boosted by current tax credits—those in the field should consider pursuing relevant certifications to enhance their marketability and earnings potential in this evolving job market in Faribault, MN.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
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 $68,804 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Faribault 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 Faribault 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