Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Reno, NV: $61,091 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Reno, NV earns a median $61,091/year (≈ $29.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Reno's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 101.0), that paycheck buys what $60,478 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 8.7% above the Nevada state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reno, the evolving landscape of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration is reflected directly in the projected median annual salary of $61,091 for 2026. This figure represents a competitive edge over the national median of $60,174, setting the stage for increased hiring as demand for energy-efficient systems rises. Salaries in this field range from $46,445 at the lower end (P10) to a substantial $93,402 at the higher echelon (P90), indicating a wide spectrum of earning potential based on experience and expertise. Official BLS OEWS data shows that Reno's market is poised for growth, driven in part by the increasing emphasis on heat pump installation due to recent IRA tax credits and changing refrigerant regulations, creating a vital hiring climate for skilled mechanics and installers.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,445 | $22.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,832 | $23.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $61,091 | $29.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $76,231 | $36.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $93,402 | $44.90 |
Median Salary Position
1.52% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Reno
In Reno, NV, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,957 (2026 est.). At $61,091, the local median is 1.52% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Reno: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Reno Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Reno median: $61,091/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Reno Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Nevada Average | $56,201 | +8.70% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +1.52% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Reno, NV earn a median of $61,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.52% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 8.70% above the Nevada state average of $56,201.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Reno has a cost of living 1.01% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Reno, NV has a cost-of-living index of 101.014 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $61,091 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,478 — a 1% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$58,010
2025 BLS Actual
$58,843
2026 Current Est.
$61,091
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,010 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,090 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,580 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,030 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,030 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,840 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,843 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $61,091 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,424 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Reno metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 1.4% from $58,010 (2019) to $58,843 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $63,424 by 2027 — a total increase of $5,414 (9.33%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Reno 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) | $46,445 – $48,832 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,832 – $61,091 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $61,091 – $76,231 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $76,231 – $93,402 |
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 Reno
Looking closer at the local employment scene, around 760 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed in Reno, contributing to a robust service ecosystem. The cost of living in this area stands slightly above the national average at 101.014, which affects overall purchasing power. High-paying employers include large commercial HVAC contractors, data center operations, and specialty refrigeration companies, each paying competitively based on workers' expertise. Salaries often vary due to factors such as specialization in commercial or residential service, commission structures prevalent in residential firms, and additional certifications like NATE or EPA Section 608. With an annual growth rate of 3.82% projected over the next five years, technicians can maximize their earnings by staying up-to-date with the latest technologies and obtaining relevant certifications to enhance their value in a competitive market.
More salary data for Reno, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Reno, NV in 2026?
Is Reno, NV 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 Reno?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Reno?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Reno?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Nevada
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 $58,843 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Reno 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
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