Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Fargo, ND: $51,686 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in West Fargo, ND earns a median $51,686/year (≈ $24.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in West Fargo's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $56,180 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.7% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in West Fargo is projected at $51,686, reflecting a competitive market despite being 14.11% below the national median of $60,174. The salary spectrum spans from $34,109 at the lower end (P10) to $80,113 at the upper end (P90), providing a range that causes many to consider pursuing commissions and spiffs associated with residential service positions as a viable path to increase earnings. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlight the potential for technicians to capitalize on sales performance in a city where the HVAC job market is steadily growing.
About the West Fargo Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,109 | $16.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,602 | $19.52 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,686 | $24.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $63,106 | $30.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,113 | $38.52 |
Median Salary Position
14.11% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in West Fargo
In West Fargo, ND, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,004 (2026 est.). At $51,686, the local median is 14.11% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in West Fargo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How West Fargo Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
West Fargo median: $51,686/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | West Fargo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $52,580 | -1.70% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -14.11% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in West Fargo, ND earn a median of $51,686 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.11% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.70% below the North Dakota state average of $52,580.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
West Fargo has a cost of living 8.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
West Fargo, ND has a cost-of-living index of 92 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $51,686 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,180 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,764
2025 BLS Actual
$49,784
2026 Current Est.
$51,686
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in West Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,764 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,281 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,682 | Actual |
| 2022 | $41,934 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,757 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,057 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,784 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,686 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,660 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the West Fargo metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $39,764 (2019) to $49,784 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,660 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,896 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the West Fargo 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) | $34,109 – $40,602 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,602 – $51,686 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,686 – $63,106 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $63,106 – $80,113 |
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 West Fargo
Within West Fargo, there are currently 10 professionals employed in this field, which is relatively small but illustrates a tight-knit workforce likely benefiting from local demand for HVAC services. The cost-of-living index sits at 92, indicating a slightly lower living cost compared to the national average, which can enhance take-home purchasing power for workers. Among local employers, residential service companies such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists may offer higher pay compared to commercial contractors, who typically provide more stability through salaried positions. Variations in compensation arise primarily from specialty areas, such as data center operations, which require advanced skills, and the ability to perform precise installations. Techs looking to maximize their pay should seek specialized training, pursue brand-specific certifications like NATE or Carrier Distinguished Dealer status, and consider taking roles that offer on-call rotation premiums that can increase overall compensation significantly.
More salary data for West Fargo, ND:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in West Fargo, ND
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Fargo, ND
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Fargo, ND
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in West Fargo, ND in 2026?
Is West Fargo, ND 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 West Fargo?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in West Fargo?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in West Fargo?
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 $49,784 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the West Fargo 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 West Fargo 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