Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Jersey City, NJ: $78,241 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Jersey City, NJ earns a median $78,241/year (≈ $37.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Jersey City's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $67,918 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 18.8% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Jersey City is projected to be $78,241, reflecting a significant premium over the national median of $60,174. Local estimates indicate that pay ranges widely from $47,947 at the 10th percentile to $121,273 at the 90th percentile. These figures account for regional cost adjustments based on data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. The divergence in wages often corresponds to the work's sector, with those employed in commercial or data center roles frequently earning higher salaries compared to their residential service counterparts. The presence of established HVAC firms and data centers in Jersey City supports robust demand for skilled technicians, creating a dynamic job market for those in the field.
About the Jersey City Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,947 | $23.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,442 | $28.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $78,241 | $37.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $99,743 | $47.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $121,273 | $58.31 |
Median Salary Position
30.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Jersey City
In Jersey City, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,326 (2026 est.). At $78,241, the local median is 30.02% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Jersey City: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Jersey City Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Jersey City median: $78,241/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Jersey City Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $65,859 | +18.80% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +30.02% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $78,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.02% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 18.80% above the New Jersey state average of $65,859.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Jersey City has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Jersey City, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,241 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $67,918 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$60,193
2025 BLS Actual
$75,362
2026 Current Est.
$78,241
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,193 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,491 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,070 | Actual |
| 2022 | $63,479 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,779 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,484 | Actual |
| 2025 | $75,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $78,241 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $81,230 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Jersey City metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $60,193 (2019) to $75,362 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,230 by 2027 — a total increase of $21,037 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Jersey City 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) | $47,947 – $59,442 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,442 – $78,241 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $78,241 – $99,743 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $99,743 – $121,273 |
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 Jersey City
The local job market is characterized by 42 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers actively employed in the area, indicating healthy opportunities for job seekers. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, the relatively higher living expenses necessitate competitive salaries to maintain purchasing power. Companies such as Carrier dealers or multi-location franchises like One Hour Heating & Air often provide higher wages due to their volume of service calls and commission structures. Conversely, commercial contractors may offer salaries that reflect the precision and compliance required in industrial settings and data centers. Professionals should consider gaining specialized certifications, such as those from NATE, or focusing on the growing demand for heat pump installation driven by tax incentives. Understanding the employer landscape and pursuing advanced training can significantly enhance earning potential in Jersey City's HVAC market.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Jersey City, NJ
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Jersey City, NJ
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Jersey City, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Jersey City, NJ in 2026?
Is Jersey City, 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 Jersey City?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Jersey City?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Jersey City?
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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 $75,362 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Jersey City 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 Jersey City 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