Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Holly Springs, NC: $52,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Holly Springs, NC earns a median $52,686/year (≈ $25.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Holly Springs's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $56,288 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.5% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Holly Springs, North Carolina, the anticipated median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is projected to reach $52,686, indicating a competitive compensation framework compared to national values. The full salary spectrum ranges from $37,570 at the lower end (P10) to a high of $80,451 (P90), reflecting significant income variability based on experience, specialization, and the nature of the work. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlighting a local job market that is shaped by both residential demand and commercial opportunities. As Holly Springs continues to grow, the need for skilled technicians in HVAC services remains critical, particularly for those who are adept at navigating both commissions and technical expertise.
About the Holly Springs Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,570 | $18.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,245 | $20.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $52,686 | $25.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $66,353 | $31.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,451 | $38.68 |
Median Salary Position
12.44% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Holly Springs
In Holly Springs, NC, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,881 (2026 est.). At $52,686, the local median is 12.44% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Holly Springs: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Holly Springs Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Holly Springs median: $52,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Holly Springs Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $54,596 | -3.50% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -12.44% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Holly Springs, NC earn a median of $52,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.44% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.50% below the North Carolina state average of $54,596.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Holly Springs 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.
Holly Springs, 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 $52,686 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,288 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$40,533
2025 BLS Actual
$50,747
2026 Current Est.
$52,686
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Holly Springs (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $40,533 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,080 | Actual |
| 2021 | $40,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,745 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,661 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,964 | Actual |
| 2025 | $50,747 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $52,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $54,698 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Holly Springs metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $40,533 (2019) to $50,747 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $54,698 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,165 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Holly Springs 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) | $37,570 – $42,245 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,245 – $52,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $52,686 – $66,353 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $66,353 – $80,451 |
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 Holly Springs
The local employment landscape includes about 10 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, underscoring a niche yet vital workforce in Holly Springs. With a cost-of-living index of 93.6, professionals in this field may find their take-home purchasing power bolstered, despite salaries trailing the national average. Leading employers in the area encompass residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and self-employed technicians, with pay scales varying widely depending on specialization and service type. The varied income potential is influenced by aspects such as commission structures at residential companies—where high performers can see earnings rise significantly—and the demand for commercial precision jobs at data centers. For those aiming to maximize earnings, pursuing brand-specific certifications and gaining experience in specialized areas like heat pump installation could prove beneficial, especially given the increased support from initiatives like the IRA tax credits.
More salary data for Holly Springs, NC:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Holly Springs, NC
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Holly Springs, NC
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Holly Springs, NC
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Holly Springs, NC in 2026?
Is Holly Springs, NC 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 Holly Springs?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Holly Springs?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Holly Springs?
Related Pages
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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 $50,747 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Holly Springs 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 Holly Springs 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