Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Plainfield, NJ: $65,731 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Plainfield, NJ earns a median $65,731/year (≈ $31.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Plainfield's price level (15% above national, BEA RPP 115.2), that paycheck buys what $57,058 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the New Jersey state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Plainfield, New Jersey, can expect a median annual salary of $65,731 in 2026. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $60,174, indicating a robust local market for these skilled professionals. Salaries in the field range significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $41,353 and potential earnings reaching up to $101,883 for top performers. Local estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional pricing, reflect the demand for qualified technicians, particularly as local employers look to meet the needs of both commercial operations and residential services. In a city like Plainfield, where there is a blend of residential HVAC service and specialized commercial work, the varying compensation structures tie directly to the type of service provided.
About the Plainfield Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $41,353 | $19.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,464 | $24.26 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,731 | $31.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,069 | $38.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,883 | $48.98 |
Median Salary Position
9.23% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plainfield
In Plainfield, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,530 (2026 est.). At $65,731, the local median is 9.23% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Plainfield: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Plainfield Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Plainfield median: $65,731/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Plainfield Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Jersey Average | $65,862 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +9.23% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Plainfield, NJ earn a median of $65,731 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.23% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.20% below the New Jersey state average of $65,862.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Plainfield has a cost of living 15.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Plainfield, NJ has a cost-of-living index of 115.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,731 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,058 — a 13.19% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,569
2025 BLS Actual
$63,312
2026 Current Est.
$65,731
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Plainfield (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,569 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,499 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,465 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,329 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,462 | Actual |
| 2024 | $80,488 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,312 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,731 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,241 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Plainfield metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $50,569 (2019) to $63,312 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,672 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plainfield 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) | $41,353 – $50,464 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,464 – $65,731 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,731 – $81,069 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,069 – $101,883 |
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 Plainfield
Within this competitive job market, ten heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed, indicating a tight-knit community of professionals. The cost of living index sits at 115.2, which means that while salaries may appear attractive, purchasing power can be impacted by higher living expenses. Noteworthy employers including commercial HVAC contractors and specialty firms in the refrigeration sector often provide the highest salaries, offering competitive pay structures to attract skilled technicians. Factors influencing the pay range include the nature of the work, as commercial roles generally provide more stable salaries compared to commission-based residential service positions where technicians can earn significantly based on sales. In this environment, pursuing specialized certifications such as NATE or proficiency with heat pumps—which are seeing increased demand due to IRA tax credits—can enhance earning potential. For those in Plainfield, focusing on expanding skills into emerging markets and gaining licenses could lead to a more lucrative career path.
More salary data for Plainfield, NJ:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Plainfield, NJ
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Plainfield, NJ
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Plainfield, NJ
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Plainfield, NJ in 2026?
Is Plainfield, 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 Plainfield?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Plainfield?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Plainfield?
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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 $63,312 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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