Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Manchester, NJ: $63,441 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Manchester, NJ earns a median $63,441/year (≈ $30.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Manchester's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $55,070 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.7% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Manchester, NJ, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $63,441, which is slightly above the national median of $60,174. The local salary range spans from $44,806 at the 10th percentile to $98,334 at the 90th percentile, reflecting variations in experience, specialization, and employer type. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, highlight a competitive pay structure driven by the local demand for HVAC services, particularly in residential sectors where commission and sales can notably influence total earnings. In a city like Manchester, where both new constructions and system upgrades are frequent, those capable of performing installs, repairs, and maintenance stand to benefit significantly from performance-based pay incentives.
About the Manchester Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,806 | $21.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,156 | $25.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,441 | $30.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,302 | $37.17 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,334 | $47.28 |
Median Salary Position
5.43% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Manchester
In Manchester, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $53,528 (2026 est.). At $63,441, the local median is 5.43% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Manchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Manchester Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Manchester median: $63,441/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Manchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $65,879 | -3.70% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +5.43% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Manchester, NJ earn a median of $63,441 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.43% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.70% below the New Jersey state average of $65,879.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Manchester has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Manchester, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,441 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,070 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,807
2025 BLS Actual
$61,107
2026 Current Est.
$63,441
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Manchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,670 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,707 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,472 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,391 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,686 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,107 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,441 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,865 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Manchester metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $48,807 (2019) to $61,107 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,865 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,058 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Manchester 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) | $44,806 – $52,156 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,156 – $63,441 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,441 – $77,302 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,302 – $98,334 |
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 Manchester
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Manchester is locally competitive, with only nine professionals currently employed in the field. However, that number could grow due to the rising cost of living, currently indexed at 115.2, which may limit disposable income for residents. Employers in Manchester offering the highest wages typically include multi-location franchises like One Hour Heating & Air and commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial buildings or healthcare facilities. Compensation differences often arise from specialized skills, particularly in areas such as commercial controls or data center cooling, as well as the lucrative commission structures prevalent in residential service positions. To maximize earnings, technicians should pursue relevant certifications such as EPA Section 608, NATE, or ACCA, along with seeking opportunities in high-demand areas like heat pump installations, especially with emerging tax credits incentivizing energy-efficient solutions.
More salary data for Manchester, NJ:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Manchester, NJ
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Manchester, NJ
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Manchester, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Manchester, NJ in 2026?
Is Manchester, 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 Manchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Manchester?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Manchester?
Related Pages
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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 $61,107 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Manchester 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 Manchester 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