Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Carrboro, NC: $51,463 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Carrboro, NC earns a median $51,463/year (≈ $24.74/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Carrboro's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $54,982 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carrboro, North Carolina is projected to reach a median of $51,463. This reflects the growing demand spurred by the heat pump and IRA tax credit initiatives, which are reshaping the hiring landscape in the region. Salaries for this position range widely, from $33,960 at the 10th percentile to $73,971 at the 90th percentile. The figures provided are derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, indicating a competitive market context for local technicians. With the influx of jobs due to increased interest in energy-efficient technologies, Carrboro’s labor market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics is poised for robust growth.
About the Carrboro Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $33,960 | $16.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,585 | $20.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,463 | $24.74 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,299 | $29.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,971 | $35.56 |
Median Salary Position
14.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carrboro
In Carrboro, NC, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,011 (2026 est.). At $51,463, the local median is 14.48% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carrboro: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carrboro Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Carrboro median: $51,463/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carrboro Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $54,573 | -5.70% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -14.48% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Carrboro, NC earn a median of $51,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.48% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $54,573.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carrboro has a cost of living 6.40% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carrboro, NC has a cost-of-living index of 93.6 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $51,463 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,982 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,592
2025 BLS Actual
$49,569
2026 Current Est.
$51,463
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,592 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,103 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,511 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,753 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,555 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,874 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,569 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,463 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,428 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carrboro metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $39,592 (2019) to $49,569 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,428 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,836 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carrboro 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) | $33,960 – $43,585 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,585 – $51,463 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,463 – $62,299 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,299 – $73,971 |
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 Carrboro
The local job market currently employs six heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, which is relatively limited and suggests a niche but focused demand for such skills. The cost-of-living index stands at 93.6, meaning that while salaries may trail the national average, the purchasing power remains relatively competitive within the area. Employers such as large commercial HVAC contractors, residential service companies like Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists, and specialty refrigeration firms typically offer the highest pay. Lower salaries often correspond to roles in residential service settings, where commission structures can lead to variable earnings but potentially high income for those adept at sales and customer service. To maximize earning potential in Carrboro, technicians should consider acquiring advanced certifications like NATE or brand-specific recognitions, as well as keeping abreast of emerging technologies. This strategic approach can help balance the competitive pressures of the market with the opportunities presented by new energy initiatives.
More salary data for Carrboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Carrboro, NC in 2026?
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Carrboro?
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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 $49,569 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Carrboro 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 Carrboro 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