Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Gallup, NM: $50,173 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Gallup, NM earns a median $50,173/year (≈ $24.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Gallup's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $53,149 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $50,173 in 2026, the compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Gallup, NM, reflects the ongoing shifts in the industry driven by heat pump technologies and the IRA tax credit incentives. Salary ranges vary widely, from $36,436 at the 10th percentile to $73,831 at the 90th percentile, showcasing diverse earning potentials depending on experience, specialization, and employer. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and BEA regional price adjustments indicate that while salary levels are noticeably lower than the national median of $60,174, the evolving market dynamics suggest an increased demand for skilled professionals in this area. The anticipated growth in residential HVAC services, particularly with heat pumps, significantly reshapes hiring trends in Gallup.
About the Gallup Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,436 | $17.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,647 | $20.03 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,173 | $24.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,863 | $30.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,831 | $35.50 |
Median Salary Position
16.62% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gallup
In Gallup, NM, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,395 (2026 est.). At $50,173, the local median is 16.62% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gallup: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gallup Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Gallup median: $50,173/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gallup Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $53,950 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -16.62% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Gallup, NM earn a median of $50,173 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.62% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.00% below the New Mexico state average of $53,950.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gallup has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gallup, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $50,173 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,149 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,600
2025 BLS Actual
$48,327
2026 Current Est.
$50,173
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Gallup (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,073 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,521 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,707 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,388 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,394 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,327 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,173 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,090 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gallup metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $38,600 (2019) to $48,327 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,090 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,490 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gallup 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) | $36,436 – $41,647 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,647 – $50,173 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,173 – $62,863 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,863 – $73,831 |
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 Gallup
Examining the job market in Gallup reveals that there are only four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in the area, which underscores the potential for job growth as demand rises. With a cost-of-living index at 94.4, residents enjoy slightly lower living expenses, which can enhance the purchasing power of salaries in the HVAC sector. Among local employers, commercial HVAC contractors and refrigeration specialty companies often provide the highest pay, particularly for technicians familiar with data center operations or precision cooling. Salary disparities in Gallup can stem from specialization in commercial services compared to residential roles, as well as varying commission structures that incentivize performance at residential service companies. To maximize pay in this specific market, obtaining advanced certifications such as NATE or focusing on high-demand areas like heat pump installation will be key strategies for HVAC professionals navigating their career paths here.
More salary data for Gallup, NM:
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 $48,327 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Gallup 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 Gallup 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