Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Ithaca, NY: $63,804 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Ithaca, NY earns a median $63,804/year (≈ $30.68/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Ithaca's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.3), that paycheck buys what $61,756 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the New York state average.
Official BLS data · View source
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Ithaca, NY, reaches a median of $63,804, which is notably higher than the national average of $60,174 for 2026. This sector's pay structure significantly reflects the divide between commercial operations, such as data centers, and residential services. Ithaca's salary range spans from $46,316 at the 10th percentile to $91,183 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse market where experience and specialization can lead to substantial earnings. Data derived from the official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys reveals that while opportunities exist in both commercial and residential sectors, those engaged in industrial or specialized HVAC roles often command higher salaries, showcasing the distinct economic landscape in Ithaca's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,316 | $22.27 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,883 | $24.46 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,804 | $30.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $77,996 | $37.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,183 | $43.84 |
Median Salary Position
6.03% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ithaca
In Ithaca, NY, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,867 (2026 est.). At $63,804, the local median is 6.03% above the national median of $60,174.
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How Ithaca Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Ithaca median: $63,804/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ithaca Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New York Average | $62,005 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +6.03% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Ithaca, NY earn a median of $63,804 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.03% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.90% above the New York state average of $62,005.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ithaca has a cost of living 3.32% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ithaca, NY has a cost-of-living index of 103.317 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,804 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,756 — a 3.21% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$62,290
2025 BLS Actual
$61,456
2026 Current Est.
$63,804
2019–2027 Growth
+6.3%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ithaca (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $62,290 | Actual |
| 2020 | $68,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,430 | Actual |
| 2022 | $60,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,760 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,830 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,456 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,804 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,241 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ithaca metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew -1.3% from $62,290 (2019) to $61,456 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,241 by 2027 — a total increase of $3,951 (6.34%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ithaca 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) | $46,316 – $50,883 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,883 – $63,804 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,804 – $77,996 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $77,996 – $91,183 |
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 Ithaca
In Ithaca, there are 120 employed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, reflecting a steady demand for skilled professionals. The cost of living index stands at 103.317, suggesting that while wages may be higher than the national median, cost pressures could impact disposable income. Employers in this region include residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and technical support roles with manufacturers. Those working in sectors requiring advanced skills, such as precision cooling for data centers or specialized refrigeration for food services, tend to earn at the higher end of the pay scale. Variability in pay arises from factors like specialty training, commission structures, and the growing market for heat pumps driven by governmental tax credits. To maximize income potential within Ithaca, pursuing state contractor licenses, obtaining industry certifications, and seeking additional training in emerging refrigerants can be worthwhile strategies for HVAC technicians looking to advance their careers.
More salary data for Ithaca, NY:
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 $61,456 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Ithaca 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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