Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Salisbury, NC: $53,656 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Salisbury, NC earns a median $53,656/year (≈ $25.80/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Salisbury's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 93.6), that paycheck buys what $57,325 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Salisbury, NC, can expect a median annual salary of $53,656 in 2026. This figure places local compensation at about 10.83% lower than the national median of $60,174. Salary ranges vary significantly, with entry-level positions at approximately $35,403, while highly skilled professionals can earn as much as $78,636. These numbers represent estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. The employment landscape in Salisbury indicates a limited number of available positions, with only six mechanics and installers currently working in the area. Yet, for those looking to capitalize on the growing need for skilled HVAC professionals, the local market demonstrates potential for earnings influenced by a commission structure often seen in residential service roles.
About the Salisbury Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,403 | $17.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,145 | $20.27 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $53,656 | $25.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,527 | $31.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $78,636 | $37.80 |
Median Salary Position
10.83% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Salisbury
In Salisbury, NC, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,233 (2026 est.). At $53,656, the local median is 10.83% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Salisbury: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Salisbury Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Salisbury median: $53,656/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Salisbury Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Carolina Average | $54,584 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -10.83% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Salisbury, NC earn a median of $53,656 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.83% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.70% below the North Carolina state average of $54,584.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Salisbury 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.
Salisbury, 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 $53,656 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $57,325 in an average-cost city — an effective 6.84% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,280
2025 BLS Actual
$51,682
2026 Current Est.
$53,656
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Salisbury (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,280 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,855 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,195 | Actual |
| 2022 | $43,533 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,539 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,829 | Actual |
| 2025 | $51,682 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $53,656 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $55,706 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Salisbury metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $41,280 (2019) to $51,682 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $55,706 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,426 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Salisbury 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) | $35,403 – $42,145 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,145 – $53,656 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $53,656 – $65,527 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,527 – $78,636 |
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 Salisbury
The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers offers unique dynamics, particularly with a cost-of-living index at 93.6, which is below the national average. This index provides an advantage regarding take-home purchasing power, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle despite relatively lower salaries compared to national figures. Major employers in Salisbury, particularly in residential service companies, often include Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists. Opportunities in commercial HVAC contracting and precision cooling for industrial facilities may offer higher salaries due to specialized skills and certification requirements. The variance in pay largely stems from the demand for specific expertise, such as those certified with NATE or licensed contractors versus those focused on traditional residential service. For individuals aiming to maximize their earnings in Salisbury, pursuing certifications and obtaining experience in high-demand areas, like heat pumps and energy-efficient systems, can lead to increased pay in this evolving market.
More salary data for Salisbury, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Salisbury, NC in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Salisbury?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Salisbury?
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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 $51,682 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Salisbury 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 Salisbury 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