Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Winona, MN: $71,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Winona, MN earns a median $71,664/year (≈ $34.46/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Winona's price level (1% below national, BEA RPP 98.5), that paycheck buys what $72,755 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Minnesota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Winona is projected to reach $71,664 annually, significantly higher than the national median of $60,174. Local salaries can vary widely, with a range extending from $49,005 at the 10th percentile to as much as $107,140 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional price parities, reflect the ongoing demand in the market, particularly influenced by advancements in heat pump technology and the associated IRA tax credits that encourage energy-efficient installations. The increasing focus on renewable energy solutions is reshaping hiring practices in Winona, positioning the area for growth in this trade.
About the Winona Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,005 | $23.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $57,505 | $27.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $71,664 | $34.46 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,643 | $42.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,140 | $51.51 |
Median Salary Position
19.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Winona
In Winona, MN, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,135 (2026 est.). At $71,664, the local median is 19.09% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Winona: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Winona Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Winona median: $71,664/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Winona Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Minnesota Average | $75,595 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +19.09% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Winona, MN earn a median of $71,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.09% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 5.20% below the Minnesota state average of $75,595.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Winona 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.
Winona, 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 $71,664 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,755 in an average-cost city — an effective 1.52% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,133
2025 BLS Actual
$69,027
2026 Current Est.
$71,664
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Winona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,133 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,238 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,020 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,143 | Actual |
| 2023 | $64,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,609 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,027 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $71,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $74,401 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Winona metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $55,133 (2019) to $69,027 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $74,401 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,268 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Winona 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) | $49,005 – $57,505 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $57,505 – $71,664 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $71,664 – $88,643 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,643 – $107,140 |
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 Winona
Presently, there are only four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed locally, signaling a potential opportunity for job seekers in Winona, MN. The cost of living index stands at 98.5, indicating a slightly below-average living expense compared to the national average, which can increase the purchasing power of local wages. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include large commercial HVAC contractors, industrial settings, and self-employed contractors with specialized skills. The pay disparity between entry-level and experienced technicians in this market can be attributed to factors such as specialty certifications, the commission structure prevalent in residential service, and the push for advanced knowledge in emerging refrigerants. To maximize earnings, aspiring professionals should consider obtaining relevant certifications such as NATE and pursuing additional training in energy-efficient systems, aligning themselves with the current trends driving demand in the HVAC industry.
More salary data for Winona, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Winona, MN in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Winona?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Winona?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Winona?
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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 $69,027 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Winona 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 Winona 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