Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bridgewater, NJ: $64,852 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Bridgewater, NJ earns a median $64,852/year (≈ $31.18/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Bridgewater's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $56,295 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bridgewater, New Jersey, the projected median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $64,852 for 2026, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $60,174. The salary range in this field spans from $42,815 at the 10th percentile to $95,477 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates, taking into account state-level data and regional cost adjustments, suggest that the earnings potential for specialized technicians can be significant, particularly in residential service companies where commission and sales incentives can drive earnings higher. The opportunity for variable compensation plays a critical role in shaping the financial outlook for professionals in this sector, indicating a robust employment climate in Bridgewater.
About the Bridgewater Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,815 | $20.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,110 | $24.57 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,852 | $31.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $79,316 | $38.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $95,477 | $45.90 |
Median Salary Position
7.77% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Bridgewater
In Bridgewater, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,662 (2026 est.). At $64,852, the local median is 7.77% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Bridgewater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Bridgewater Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Bridgewater median: $64,852/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Bridgewater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $65,840 | -1.50% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +7.77% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Bridgewater, NJ earn a median of $64,852 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.77% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.50% below the New Jersey state average of $65,840.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Bridgewater has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Bridgewater, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,852 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,295 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,893
2025 BLS Actual
$62,466
2026 Current Est.
$64,852
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bridgewater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,893 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,797 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,791 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,616 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,667 | Actual |
| 2024 | $79,413 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,466 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,852 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,330 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Bridgewater metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $49,893 (2019) to $62,466 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,330 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,437 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Bridgewater 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) | $42,815 – $51,110 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,110 – $64,852 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,852 – $79,316 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $79,316 – $95,477 |
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 Bridgewater
With only ten heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in Bridgewater, the job market for this profession remains relatively niche, yet promising. The cost-of-living index stands at 115.2, implying that take-home pay may need to stretch further, making competitive wages even more crucial. Companies in Bridgewater, including residential service providers and larger commercial contractors, tend to pay varied rates influenced by specialty skills and the demand for services like heat pump installations or data center HVAC solutions. The disparity in earnings can be attributed to multiple factors, such as commission structures at residential firms, on-call premiums, and the value of certifications like NATE and state contractor licenses. For professionals aspiring to optimize their earnings, focusing on high-demand specialties and seeking out opportunities that offer growth in commission-based income could enhance their overall compensation in this vibrant New Jersey market.
More salary data for Bridgewater, NJ:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Bridgewater, NJ
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bridgewater, NJ
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Bridgewater, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Bridgewater, NJ in 2026?
Is Bridgewater, NJ 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 Bridgewater?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Bridgewater?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Bridgewater?
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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 $62,466 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Bridgewater 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 Bridgewater 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