Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Howell, NJ: $65,886 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Howell, NJ earns a median $65,886/year (≈ $31.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Howell's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $57,193 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Howell, New Jersey, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $65,886 for 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $60,174, illustrating a competitive local job market. Salary ranges indicate a spectrum from $41,973 at the 10th percentile to $102,124 at the 90th percentile, reflecting a diverse pay scale based on experience and specialization. These estimates are derived from 2025 BLS data, alongside regional price adjustments. The variability in compensation stem from the commission structures that residential service companies implement, often enhancing total earnings for technicians involved in sales or upselling services, an appealing aspect for those in Howell's HVAC industry.
About the Howell Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,973 | $20.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,773 | $24.41 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,886 | $31.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,552 | $39.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,124 | $49.10 |
Median Salary Position
9.49% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Howell
In Howell, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,151 (2026 est.). At $65,886, the local median is 9.49% above the national median of $60,174.
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How Howell Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Howell median: $65,886/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Howell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $60,174 | +9.49% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Howell, NJ earn a median of $65,886 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.49% higher than the national median of $60,174.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Howell has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Howell, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,886 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,193 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,688
2025 BLS Actual
$63,462
2026 Current Est.
$65,886
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Howell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,688 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,623 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,584 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,455 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,603 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,680 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,462 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,886 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,403 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Howell metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $50,688 (2019) to $63,462 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,403 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,715 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Howell 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) | $41,973 – $50,773 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,773 – $65,886 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,886 – $81,552 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,552 – $102,124 |
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 Howell
Currently, Howell employs a modest number of 11 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. As indicated by a cost-of-living index of 115.2, the local economy demands higher wages to match housing and lifestyle expenses, which can affect take-home pay. Among local employers, residential service companies like Carrier dealers and larger franchises such as One Hour Heating & Air tend to offer the most competitive salaries, particularly due to commission opportunities that can significantly boost earnings compared to flat-rate pay found in commercial positions. Factors driving the pay differential include the specialty areas of work, such as commercial controls and precision cooling, which have less competition than residential services. Maximizing pay potential in Howell involves skill diversification, obtaining brand-specific certifications, and taking advantage of incentives related to the ongoing heat pump and electrification push. As the market evolves, staying aligned with industry trends and continuous education—like EPA Section 608 and NATE certifications—will enhance job security and income prospects in the HVAC field.
More salary data for Howell, NJ:
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 $63,462 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Howell 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 Howell 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