Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cranston, RI: $56,196 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Cranston, RI earns a median $56,196/year (≈ $27.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Cranston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $55,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.2% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, a strong median annual salary of $56,196 is projected for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cranston, Rhode Island, which is slightly below the national figure of $60,174. With salaries ranging from $38,267 at the 10th percentile to $87,103 at the 90th percentile, local professionals can expect a varied earning potential. This growth in pay is closely tied to the rising demand for heat pump installations, fueled by new tax credits from the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA). As Cranston's job market adjusts to these incentives, employers are ramping up their search for skilled technicians, which may lead to further opportunities and competitive compensation packages in the region.
About the Cranston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,267 | $18.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,155 | $21.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,196 | $27.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,931 | $34.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,103 | $41.88 |
Median Salary Position
6.61% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cranston
In Cranston, RI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $48,836 (2026 est.). At $56,196, the local median is 6.61% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Cranston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Cranston Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Cranston median: $56,196/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Cranston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $57,460 | -2.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -6.61% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Cranston, RI earn a median of $56,196 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.61% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.20% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,460.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Cranston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Cranston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,196 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,916 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,233
2025 BLS Actual
$54,128
2026 Current Est.
$56,196
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Cranston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,233 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,883 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,144 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,593 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,949 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,128 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,196 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,342 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Cranston metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $43,233 (2019) to $54,128 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,342 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,109 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cranston 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) | $38,267 – $45,155 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,155 – $56,196 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,196 – $71,931 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,931 – $87,103 |
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 Cranston
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field in Cranston currently employs around 12 individuals, showcasing a niche yet significant job market. With a cost of living index slightly above average at 100.5, the impact on take-home pay is noteworthy, making it essential for workers to strategize their career development. Employers with the highest pay typically include commercial HVAC contractors involved with industrial projects, hospitals, and large data centers, where specialty skills in precision cooling can command better salaries. The difference in pay within this occupation is influenced by factors such as specialization in commercial versus residential service, potential commissions in residential roles, and certification achievements like NATE or state licensing. To maximize earnings, technicians should pursue advanced certifications, be open to varied service types, and stay informed on emerging technologies and incentives that could increase market demand in Cranston, RI.
More salary data for Cranston, RI:
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 $54,128 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Cranston 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 Cranston 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