Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Delaware, OH: $60,143 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Delaware, OH earns a median $60,143/year (≈ $28.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Delaware's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.7), that paycheck buys what $66,310 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the Ohio state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Delaware, OH can expect a median salary of $60,143 in 2026, closely aligning with the national median of $60,174. Local salaries exhibit substantial variation, ranging from $40,238 at the 10th percentile to $88,721 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the impact of experience, specialization, and employer types on overall compensation. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost-of-living factors. As Delaware's HVAC market grows, the commission structures at residential service firms significantly influence pay, compelling eager technicians to efficiently navigate service contracts and sales opportunities for enhanced earnings potential.
About the Delaware Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,238 | $19.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,931 | $24.00 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $60,143 | $28.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,846 | $35.51 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,721 | $42.66 |
Median Salary Position
0.05% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Delaware
In Delaware, OH, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,483 (2026 est.). At $60,143, the local median is 0.05% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Delaware: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Delaware Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Delaware median: $60,143/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Delaware Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Ohio Average | $60,873 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -0.05% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Delaware, OH earn a median of $60,143 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.05% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.20% below the Ohio state average of $60,873.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Delaware 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.
Delaware, 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 $60,143 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $66,310 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.25% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$46,270
2025 BLS Actual
$57,930
2026 Current Est.
$60,143
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Delaware (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,270 | Actual |
| 2020 | $48,036 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,175 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,796 | Actual |
| 2023 | $54,407 | Actual |
| 2024 | $51,948 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,930 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,143 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $62,440 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Delaware metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $46,270 (2019) to $57,930 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $62,440 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,170 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Delaware 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) | $40,238 – $49,931 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,931 – $60,143 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $60,143 – $73,846 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,846 – $88,721 |
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 Delaware
In Delaware, there are currently seven heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed, indicating a niche job market that requires targeted skills, especially as technological advancements shift industry needs. The local cost-of-living index, sitting at 90.7, suggests that while salaries might lag slightly behind national averages, purchasing power remains relevantly competitive. Among local employers, residential service companies like Carrier dealers and large franchises, as well as commercial HVAC contractors, tend to offer better compensation packages. The salary gap between lower and higher-paid technicians is influenced by specialized roles, such as data center HVAC positions, which often require advanced knowledge of environmental controls, and the growing demand for heat pump installations fueled by tax credits. For those in Delaware, obtaining certification through the EPA Section 608, pursuing NATE certification, and gaining expertise in emerging technologies like R-454B refrigerants can enhance job prospects and earning potential in this evolving field.
More salary data for Delaware, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Delaware, OH in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Delaware?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Delaware?
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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 $57,930 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Delaware 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 Delaware 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