Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Hastings, NE: $51,032 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Hastings, NE earns a median $51,032/year (≈ $24.53/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Hastings's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $55,773 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Nebraska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hastings, NE, the competitive demand for skilled heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is evident in the 2026 median annual salary, projected at $51,032. This figure reflects a diverse salary range, where entry-level positions may start around $33,111, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $76,001. These estimates indicate a local labor market influenced by growth in heat pump installations and favorable IRA tax credits, prompting employers to strengthen hiring prospects. As the industry evolves with technological advancements and regulatory changes, craftsmanship and technical knowledge remain highly sought after, positioning Hastings as an appealing environment for those in this trade.
About the Hastings Market
Salary estimated from Nebraska average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,111 | $15.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $39,631 | $19.05 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,032 | $24.53 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,944 | $30.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,001 | $36.53 |
Median Salary Position
15.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hastings
In Hastings, NE, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,890 (2026 est.). At $51,032, the local median is 15.19% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hastings: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hastings Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Hastings median: $51,032/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hastings Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nebraska Average | $52,287 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -15.19% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Hastings, NE earn a median of $51,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.19% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.40% below the Nebraska state average of $52,287.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hastings has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hastings, NE has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $51,032 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $55,773 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,260
2025 BLS Actual
$49,154
2026 Current Est.
$51,032
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hastings (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,260 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,759 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,180 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,403 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,991 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,154 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,032 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,981 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hastings metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $39,260 (2019) to $49,154 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,981 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,721 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hastings 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) | $33,111 – $39,631 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $39,631 – $51,032 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,032 – $62,944 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,944 – $76,001 |
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 Hastings
Analyzing the local job market reveals that only five heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed in Hastings, showcasing both opportunity and competition. The cost of living index stands at 91.5, underscoring a manageable living expense that enhances take-home purchasing power for technicians. Prominent employers, including commercial HVAC contractors and residential service companies like One Hour Heating & Air, often offer higher wages depending on specialization and demand. Factors influencing salary discrepancies include the transition toward precision cooling for data centers and commercial contracts, the commission structures at residential service companies, and the necessity for certifications like NATE or state contractor licenses. For technicians aiming to maximize earnings in Hastings, diversifying skills in emerging refrigerants, maintaining certifications, and exploring avenues in commercial HVAC can lead to substantial financial benefits.
More salary data for Hastings, NE:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Hastings, NE in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Hastings?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Hastings?
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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 $49,154 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Hastings 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 Hastings 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