Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rochester, NH: $59,045 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Rochester, NH earns a median $59,045/year (≈ $28.38/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Rochester's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.3), that paycheck buys what $55,028 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Hampshire state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As heat pump technology continues to gain traction, particularly with incentives from the IRA tax credit, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Rochester, NH is on an upward trajectory. In 2026, the median annual salary is projected to be $59,045, with a salary range from $41,872 at the 10th percentile to $90,034 at the 90th percentile. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments, reflect the growing demand for skilled technicians as the market shifts towards energy-efficient solutions. For mechanics and installers in Rochester, the increasing focus on sustainable technologies not only enhances job security but also creates opportunities for higher pay within this evolving landscape.
About the Rochester Market
Salary estimated from New Hampshire average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,872 | $20.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,484 | $23.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,045 | $28.38 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,106 | $35.63 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,034 | $43.28 |
Median Salary Position
1.88% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rochester
In Rochester, NH, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,162 (2026 est.). At $59,045, the local median is 1.88% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Rochester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rochester Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Rochester median: $59,045/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rochester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Hampshire Average | $61,313 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -1.88% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Rochester, NH earn a median of $59,045 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.88% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.70% below the New Hampshire state average of $61,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rochester has a cost of living 7.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rochester, NH has a cost-of-living index of 107.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $59,045 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,028 — a 6.8% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,425
2025 BLS Actual
$56,872
2026 Current Est.
$59,045
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Rochester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,425 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,159 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,332 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,414 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,037 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,872 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,045 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,300 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rochester metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $45,425 (2019) to $56,872 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,300 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,875 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rochester 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) | $41,872 – $48,484 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,484 – $59,045 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,045 – $74,106 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,106 – $90,034 |
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 Rochester
The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently shows modest strength, with seven professionals employed in the area. Rochester's cost-of-living index of 107.3 indicates that living expenses are above the national average, which can impact take-home pay. Among various employers, commercial HVAC contractors often offer higher compensation, especially for roles focused on industrial buildings and data centers, where precision cooling is critical. The disparity in salaries can largely be attributed to the specialization seen in areas like data center cooling or commercial controls, as well as commission structures in residential services that can elevate earnings significantly when performance-based. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential in Rochester, pursuing additional certifications such as NATE or focusing on the residential heat pump installation boom through state licensing can be effective strategies in a competitive field.
More salary data for Rochester, NH:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $56,872 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Rochester 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 Rochester 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