Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in East Orange, NJ: $66,762 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in East Orange, NJ earns a median $66,762/year (≈ $32.10/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in East Orange's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $57,953 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals in the field of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median annual salary of $66,762 in East Orange, New Jersey. This figure places local earnings significantly ahead of the national median of $60,174, illustrating a competitive edge in this thriving job market. Salaries in East Orange vary widely, ranging from $43,968 at the 10th percentile to $102,505 at the 90th percentile, showcasing opportunities for both entry-level and seasoned workers. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments reflect a growing demand, significantly bolstered by the rise in heat pump installations and IRA tax credits that are shaping hiring trends across the region.
About the East Orange Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $43,968 | $21.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,064 | $24.55 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,762 | $32.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,610 | $40.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,505 | $49.28 |
Median Salary Position
10.95% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in East Orange
In East Orange, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,537 (2026 est.). At $66,762, the local median is 10.95% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in East Orange: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How East Orange Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
East Orange median: $66,762/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | East Orange Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $65,841 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +10.95% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in East Orange, NJ earn a median of $66,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.95% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $65,841.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
East Orange has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
East Orange, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,762 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,953 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,363
2025 BLS Actual
$64,306
2026 Current Est.
$66,762
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,363 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,323 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,257 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,166 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,396 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,753 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,306 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,762 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,313 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the East Orange metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $51,363 (2019) to $64,306 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,313 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,950 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the East Orange 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) | $43,968 – $51,064 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,064 – $66,762 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,762 – $83,610 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,610 – $102,505 |
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 East Orange
The East Orange labor market currently employs nine heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, reflecting a specialized niche. With a cost-of-living index at 115.2, professionals must carefully consider their take-home pay against local expenses. Employers in the area include residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and large data center operations, each offering varying pay scales influenced by specialization. The disparity between lower and higher salaries can be attributed to several factors, including the push for precision cooling in commercial spaces, brand-specific certifications like NATE, and the commission structures prevalent in residential services. Maximizing earnings in East Orange involves pursuing specialized training, participating in additional certification programs, and understanding the ongoing demand for heat pump expertise stimulated by governmental incentives.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in East Orange, NJ
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in East Orange, NJ
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in East Orange, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in East Orange, NJ in 2026?
Is East Orange, 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 East Orange?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in East Orange?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in East Orange?
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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 $64,306 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the East Orange 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 East Orange 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