Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Newark, NJ: $77,035 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Newark, NJ earns a median $77,035/year (≈ $37.03/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Newark's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $66,871 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.0% above the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newark, New Jersey, the earning potential for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is notably higher than the national standard. The projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $77,035, reflecting a robust local market that demands skilled professionals. Salary ranges vary significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $45,668 and seasoned technicians earning up to $119,405. These figures are derived from local estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost variances. As Newark hosts a mix of residential and commercial HVAC services, opportunities are abundant, offering pathways for specialization that can drive income levels higher in a competitive job environment.
About the Newark Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,668 | $21.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $61,622 | $29.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $77,035 | $37.03 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $98,605 | $47.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $119,405 | $57.40 |
Median Salary Position
28.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Newark
In Newark, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $73,737 (2026 est.). At $77,035, the local median is 28.02% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Newark: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Newark Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Newark median: $77,035/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Newark Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $65,842 | +17.00% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +28.02% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Newark, NJ earn a median of $77,035 per year (2026 est.), which is 28.02% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 17.00% above the New Jersey state average of $65,842.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Newark has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Newark, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $77,035 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $66,871 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$59,266
2025 BLS Actual
$74,201
2026 Current Est.
$77,035
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Newark (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $59,266 | Actual |
| 2020 | $61,528 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,501 | Actual |
| 2023 | $69,689 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,797 | Actual |
| 2025 | $74,201 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $77,035 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $79,978 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Newark metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $59,266 (2019) to $74,201 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $79,978 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,712 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Newark 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) | $45,668 – $61,622 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $61,622 – $77,035 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $77,035 – $98,605 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $98,605 – $119,405 |
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 Newark
The local job market includes 61 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, illustrating a concentrated demand for these services in Newark, NJ. With a cost-of-living index of 115.2, the purchasing power of salaries in this region may be impacted, requiring technicians to consider their earnings in light of local expenses. Major employers include both residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors, with significant pay differentials based on specialization, from high-volume residential sectors that often rely on commission structures to the more stable salaried roles found in large data center operations. The variability in salaries can also stem from the demand for innovative skills, such as those needed for heat pump installations, impacted by growth tax credits. To maximize pay, technicians are encouraged to obtain state contractor licenses, pursue relevant certifications like NATE, and leverage commission opportunities from residential service projects while focusing on specialized training in advanced cooling systems.
More salary data for Newark, 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 $74,201 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Newark 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 Newark 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