Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Montana: $63,126 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Montana's 7 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $63,126/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Montana sits at BEA RPP 96.2 (4% below the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $65,620 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bozeman ($69,322), Helena ($59,537), Billings ($59,128).
In Montana, the projected average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is $63,127, slightly above the national median of $60,174, representing an increase of 4.9%. Salaries vary significantly across the state, with Bozeman offering the highest average at $71,970, while Kalispell has the lowest at $58,615, a difference of $13,355. This salary gap is driven by factors such as cost of living, local demand for skilled workers, and the concentration of industry in urban areas like Bozeman versus more rural locations like Kalispell. Montana's licensing requirements mandate that workers obtain a state license, which may involve specific training and examinations, shaping the job market's dynamics. The projected annual growth rate for this profession in Montana is 3.82%, indicating a stable demand for skilled mechanics and installers. The state currently employs approximately 951 individuals in this field, with top cities for employment and salary being Bozeman, Helena at $61,811, Billings at $61,387, Great Falls at $59,839, and Butte at $59,657. Understanding these elements is crucial for anyone considering a career in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration in Montana.
Montana Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Montana: $38,322 (lowest entry-level) to $92,070 (highest top earner)
Montana vs National Average
Montana heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 4.91% more than the national median (+$2,952/year difference).
Montana Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Montana range from $43,902 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $80,042 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $63,126. The Montana median is $2,952 above the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $30.35/hr. Approximately 951 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 7 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$52,479
2025 BLS Actual
$60,804
2026 Current Est.
$63,126
2019–2027 Growth
+24.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Montana (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,479 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,476 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,690 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,448 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,902 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,936 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,804 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,126 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,538 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Montana metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 15.9% from $52,479 (2019) to $60,804 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,538 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,059 (24.88%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Montana 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Montana
Lowest Paying Cities in Montana
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Kalispell | $58,615 |
| Missoula | $59,414 |
| Butte | $59,657 |
| Great Falls | $59,839 |
| Billings | $61,387 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Montana
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Montana cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bozeman | $71,970 | 102.51 | $70,208 |
| Billings | $61,387 | 93.526 | $65,636 |
| Helena | $61,811 | 95.675 | $64,605 |
| Butte | $59,657 | 96.2 | $62,014 |
| Great Falls | $59,839 | 96.845 | $61,788 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Montana
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $43,902 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $63,126 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $80,042 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Montana metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 7 Cities in Montana
More Montana Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Montana cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Explore More Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Montana in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Montana?
How does Montana heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Montana?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Montana?
Which Montana city offers the best value for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation across Montana. State averages are employment-weighted across 7 metro areas — larger metro areas with more heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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