Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH: $57,793 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Cleveland Heights, OH earns a median $57,793/year (≈ $27.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Cleveland Heights's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $63,719 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cleveland Heights is $57,793, which positions it about 3.96% lower than the national median of $60,174. This profession commands a salary range from $39,642 at the 10th percentile to $86,547 at the 90th percentile, indicating notable earning potential depending on skill and specialty. As the market for heat pumps expands due to increased demand spurred by IRA tax credits, hiring in this sector is expected to experience growth. With local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, the financial landscape reflects a changing job environment, making Cleveland Heights an intriguing place for those considering a career in HVAC.
About the Cleveland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,642 | $19.06 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,465 | $22.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,793 | $27.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,574 | $34.41 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,547 | $41.61 |
Median Salary Position
3.96% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cleveland Heights
In Cleveland Heights, OH, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,905 (2026 est.). At $57,793, the local median is 3.96% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Cleveland Heights: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cleveland Heights Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Cleveland Heights median: $57,793/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cleveland Heights Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $60,899 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -3.96% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Cleveland Heights, OH earn a median of $57,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.96% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $60,899.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cleveland Heights has a cost of living 9.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cleveland Heights, OH has a cost-of-living index of 90.7 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $57,793 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,719 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,462
2025 BLS Actual
$55,667
2026 Current Est.
$57,793
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,462 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,160 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,371 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,889 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,282 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,919 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,667 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,793 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,001 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cleveland Heights metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,462 (2019) to $55,667 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,001 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,539 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cleveland Heights 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) | $39,642 – $46,465 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,465 – $57,793 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,793 – $71,574 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,574 – $86,547 |
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 Cleveland Heights
Job opportunities for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cleveland Heights remain relatively limited, with only nine professionals reported to be employed in the area. The local cost-of-living index is 90.7, suggesting a more affordable environment for residents compared to national averages, which impacts take-home pay and purchasing power. Employers range from residential service companies to commercial HVAC operations, each offering different salary structures. Residential firms may leverage commission-based pay, potentially elevating earnings for those handling high volumes of tasks. Conversely, commercial and data center HVAC roles often provide steady salaries with overtime opportunities. The disparity in earnings can often be tied to specialty areas such as precision cooling for data centers and the increasing need for expertise in newer refrigerants. For those in Cleveland Heights looking to maximize their earning potential, seeking certification through NATE or obtaining a state contractor license can significantly enhance job prospects and salary ceilings.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Cleveland Heights, OH
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Cleveland Heights, OH in 2026?
Is Cleveland Heights, OH 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 Cleveland Heights?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Cleveland Heights?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Cleveland Heights?
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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 $55,667 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights 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