Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Elizabeth, NJ: $66,456 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Elizabeth, NJ earns a median $66,456/year (≈ $31.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Elizabeth's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $57,688 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The local economy in Elizabeth, NJ, reflects a strong demand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, with a projected median annual salary of $66,456 for 2026. This figure not only surpasses the national median of $60,174 by approximately 10.44% but also falls within a competitive salary range, beginning at $45,259 and reaching up to $103,007 for the top earners in the field. Such numbers are essential to consider, especially against the backdrop of increasing interest in heat pumps and HVAC tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act, pushing more homeowners to seek efficient installations. Employers are actively hiring to meet the evolving needs of the market, signaling robust opportunities for technicians entering the field in Elizabeth.
About the Elizabeth Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,259 | $21.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,753 | $25.84 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,456 | $31.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,064 | $40.89 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,007 | $49.52 |
Median Salary Position
10.44% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elizabeth
In Elizabeth, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,748 (2026 est.). At $66,456, the local median is 10.44% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elizabeth: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elizabeth Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Elizabeth median: $66,456/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elizabeth Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $65,863 | +0.90% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +10.44% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Elizabeth, NJ earn a median of $66,456 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.44% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.90% above the New Jersey state average of $65,863.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elizabeth has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Elizabeth, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,456 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,688 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,127
2025 BLS Actual
$64,011
2026 Current Est.
$66,456
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Elizabeth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,127 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,078 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,022 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,918 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,119 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,378 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,011 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,456 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,995 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elizabeth metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $51,127 (2019) to $64,011 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,868 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elizabeth 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) | $45,259 – $53,753 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,753 – $66,456 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,456 – $85,064 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,064 – $103,007 |
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 Elizabeth
In terms of the local job market, approximately 25 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently serve the Elizabeth area, revealing a relatively small yet stable workforce. The cost-of-living index at 115.2 indicates that while salaries may be higher than the national average, the purchasing power may be somewhat diminished by increased living expenses. Notably, residential service companies, particularly major franchises like One Hour Heating & Air and ARS/Rescue Rooter, often offer competitive pay structures that can elevate earnings through commission and spiffs, while commercial contractors may provide more consistent salaries but less variability in take-home pay. The gap between high and low wages is further influenced by specialization in areas like commercial controls versus general residential service. For technicians striving to maximize their income, developing expertise in high-demand services linked to heat pumps or obtaining relevant certifications can be a strategic approach to command better pay in Elizabeth's HVAC market.
More salary data for Elizabeth, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Elizabeth, NJ in 2026?
Is Elizabeth, 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 Elizabeth?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Elizabeth?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Elizabeth?
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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 $64,011 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Elizabeth 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 Elizabeth 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