Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Moorhead, MN: $72,726 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Moorhead, MN earns a median $72,726/year (≈ $34.97/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Moorhead's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $73,834 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moorhead, Minnesota, the projected median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 stands at $72,726, which represents a notable increase compared to the national median of $60,174. Salary ranges in the area extend from $51,468 at the 10th percentile to $112,726 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse market landscape that differentiates between commercial data center work and residential service roles. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for regional cost factors, allowing local professionals to gain insights into potential earnings based on industry specialization. It's also essential to recognize that the local job market conditions in Moorhead play a vital role in shaping these salary estimates.
About the Moorhead Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,468 | $24.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,640 | $28.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,726 | $34.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,581 | $42.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,726 | $54.19 |
Median Salary Position
20.86% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Moorhead
In Moorhead, MN, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,258 (2026 est.). At $72,726, the local median is 20.86% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Moorhead: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Moorhead Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Moorhead median: $72,726/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Moorhead Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $75,599 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +20.86% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Moorhead, MN earn a median of $72,726 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.86% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $75,599.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Moorhead 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.
Moorhead, 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 $72,726 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $73,834 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,950
2025 BLS Actual
$70,050
2026 Current Est.
$72,726
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,950 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,086 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,836 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,005 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,522 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,050 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,726 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,504 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Moorhead metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $55,950 (2019) to $70,050 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,504 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,554 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Moorhead 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) | $51,468 – $59,640 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,640 – $72,726 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,726 – $88,581 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,581 – $112,726 |
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 Moorhead
At present, only 11 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Moorhead, MN, indicating a tight job market for this field. The cost of living index in Moorhead is 98.5, slightly below the national average, which enhances local purchasing power. Employers across the region, including residential service companies like Carrier dealers, commercial HVAC contractors for industrial and healthcare sectors, and specialized refrigeration companies, provide varying pay levels. Factors influencing the disparity between low and high wages include the specialization in areas such as data center precision cooling, commission structures at residential service companies, and the role of state contractor licenses in permitting business ownership. As the demand for heat pump installations surges, driven by IRA tax credits, technicians may find lucrative opportunities ahead. For those looking to maximize pay in this local market, pursuing brand-specific certifications and targeting commercial HVAC roles may offer substantial financial advantages.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Moorhead, MN in 2026?
Is Moorhead, 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 Moorhead?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Moorhead?
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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 $70,050 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Moorhead 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 Moorhead 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