Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pinehurst, NC: $51,859 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Pinehurst, NC earns a median $51,859/year (≈ $24.94/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Pinehurst's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 88.3), that paycheck buys what $58,707 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the North Carolina state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Pinehurst, North Carolina, the anticipated median annual salary for professionals engaged in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $51,859 for 2026. This figure reflects a significant gap compared to the national median of $60,174, illustrating the unique economic dynamics of the region. Salary ranges vary considerably, with entry-level positions starting around $35,960 and experienced technicians earning as much as $62,738. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, these figures demonstrate the compensation landscape shaped by the demand for specialized skills, particularly in the commercial sector, as Pinehurst evolves with increasing infrastructure developments and a growing emphasis on energy efficiency.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,960 | $17.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,014 | $21.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,859 | $24.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,888 | $28.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $62,738 | $30.16 |
Median Salary Position
13.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pinehurst
In Pinehurst, NC, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $26,778 (2026 est.). At $51,859, the local median is 13.82% below the national median of $60,174.
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How Pinehurst Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Pinehurst median: $51,859/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pinehurst Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $54,589 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -13.82% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Pinehurst, NC earn a median of $51,859 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.82% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.00% below the North Carolina state average of $54,589.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pinehurst has a cost of living 11.66% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pinehurst, NC has a cost-of-living index of 88.336 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $51,859 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,707 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.21% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,897
2025 BLS Actual
$49,951
2026 Current Est.
$51,859
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pinehurst (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,897 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,420 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,815 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,075 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,913 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,240 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,951 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,859 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,840 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pinehurst metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $39,897 (2019) to $49,951 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,840 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,943 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pinehurst 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) | $35,960 – $45,014 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,014 – $51,859 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,859 – $59,888 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,888 – $62,738 |
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 Pinehurst
The job market in Pinehurst features approximately 160 individuals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index at 88.336, workers may find their take-home salaries stretch further compared to more expensive areas. The highest-paying employers are often commercial HVAC contractors dealing with industrial facilities or large data centers, which typically provide more stability and structured pay compared to residential service companies. Factors that contribute to the range between lower and higher wages include the need for specialized certifications, such as those from NATE or HVAC contractor licensing, and the rising demand for heat pump installations spurred by federal tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act. Technicians aiming to maximize pay in this market should focus on gaining expertise in commercial systems, pursuing relevant certifications, and understanding the nuances of commission structures within residential service environments.
More salary data for Pinehurst, NC:
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 $49,951 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Pinehurst 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, 2-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