Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Williston, ND: $50,183 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Williston, ND earns a median $50,183/year (≈ $24.13/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Williston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 92.0), that paycheck buys what $54,547 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.6% below the North Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Williston, North Dakota, the average compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers reflects a notable disparity based on the type of service provided. The projected median annual salary in 2026 stands at $50,183, which is quite a bit lower than the national median of $60,174, indicating a 16.60% difference. Local salaries range from $34,872 at the 10th percentile to $75,556 at the 90th. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price differences, highlight how the commercial versus residential service divide impacts earnings. With Williston's job market employing just seven technicians, demand for skilled professionals, particularly in commercial sectors such as data centers, remains strong.
About the Williston Market
Salary estimated from North Dakota average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,872 | $16.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,680 | $19.56 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,183 | $24.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $62,547 | $30.07 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,556 | $36.33 |
Median Salary Position
16.6% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Williston
In Williston, ND, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,684 (2026 est.). At $50,183, the local median is 16.6% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Williston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Williston Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Williston median: $50,183/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Williston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| North Dakota Average | $52,603 | -4.60% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -16.60% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Williston, ND earn a median of $50,183 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.60% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.60% below the North Dakota state average of $52,603.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Williston 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.
Williston, 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 $50,183 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,547 in an average-cost city — an effective 8.7% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,608
2025 BLS Actual
$48,337
2026 Current Est.
$50,183
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Williston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,608 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,081 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,529 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,715 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,398 | Actual |
| 2024 | $54,428 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,337 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,183 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,100 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Williston metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $38,608 (2019) to $48,337 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,100 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,492 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Williston 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) | $34,872 – $40,680 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,680 – $50,183 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,183 – $62,547 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $62,547 – $75,556 |
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 Williston
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Williston ND offers an intriguing glimpse into local job dynamics. The cost of living index in the area is 92, suggesting that while salaries are lower, the purchasing power for professionals remains fairly competitive. Companies specializing in commercial HVAC, particularly those servicing data centers, typically offer higher salaries compared to residential service organizations, which often use a commission-based pay structure. Factors such as specialty certifications in emerging refrigerants and the demand for heat pump installations fueled by tax credits can greatly impact earnings potential. To maximize pay, budding technicians should consider gaining experience in commercial HVAC settings and obtaining relevant certifications, while also exploring opportunities with larger contractors that may offer a more stable salary and benefits package.
More salary data for Williston, ND:
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 $48,337 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Williston 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 Williston 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