Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Dover, NH: $59,310 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Dover, NH earns a median $59,310/year (≈ $28.52/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Dover's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $55,275 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Dover, NH, is projected to reach a median of $59,310, closely aligning with the national median of $60,174. The local salary range spans from $42,499 at the 10th percentile to $87,153 at the 90th percentile, revealing the variability in compensation likely driven by factors such as experience, certifications, and the demand for specific skills in the marketplace. With the recent growth of heat pump installations spurred by IRA tax credits, the hiring landscape is evolving, creating opportunities for new entrants into the field who are equipped to meet the increasing demand for energy-efficient solutions. As Dover navigates this innovative market, skilled technicians will be pivotal to supporting homeowners and businesses alike in adapting to these advancements.
About the Dover Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,499 | $20.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,026 | $23.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,310 | $28.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,617 | $34.91 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,153 | $41.90 |
Median Salary Position
1.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Dover
In Dover, NH, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,654 (2026 est.). At $59,310, the local median is 1.44% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Dover: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Dover Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Dover median: $59,310/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Dover Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $61,334 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -1.44% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Dover, NH earn a median of $59,310 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.44% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.30% below the New Hampshire state average of $61,334.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Dover has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Dover, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,310 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,275 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$57,130
2025 BLS Actual
$57,128
2026 Current Est.
$59,310
2019–2027 Growth
+7.8%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Dover (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $57,130 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,650 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,770 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,550 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,326 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,128 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,310 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,576 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Dover metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew -0.0% from $57,130 (2019) to $57,128 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,576 by 2027 — a total increase of $4,446 (7.78%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Dover 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) | $42,499 – $49,026 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,026 – $59,310 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,310 – $72,617 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,617 – $87,153 |
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 Dover
The job market for HVAC technicians in Dover consists of only five mechanics and installers currently employed, which hints at a relatively small yet potentially lucrative field. The cost of living index in the region stands at 107.3, indicating higher living costs compared to the national average and affecting take-home purchasing power. Employers who tend to offer the highest salaries include residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors, where the specialization of skills plays a significant role in compensation. Factors contributing to salary disparities include specialty areas, such as data center HVAC, commission structures for residential service technicians, and the necessity of state contractor licensing for individual businesses. To maximize pay in this market, focusing on obtaining advanced training and certifications like NATE or becoming a Carrier Distinguished Dealer can provide a competitive edge, while also adapting to the shifting landscape shaped by evolving refrigerant technologies and an aging workforce in the HVAC sector.
More salary data for Dover, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Dover?
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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 $57,128 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Dover 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 Dover 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