Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Johnston, RI: $55,556 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Johnston, RI earns a median $55,556/year (≈ $26.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Johnston's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $55,280 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.3% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Johnston, Rhode Island, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $55,556, which reflects local market conditions and cost adjustments. The projected salary range spans from $39,816 at the 10th percentile to $85,068 at the 90th percentile, providing a glimpse into the earning potential within this trade. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data, reveal a slightly lower compensation level compared to the national median of $60,174, indicating that while the local market is solid, it remains highly competitive. As the heat pump installation market expands, fueled by incentives such as the IRA tax credits, the demand for qualified technicians is likely to rise, significantly reshaping employment growth and wage opportunities in Johnston.
About the Johnston Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,816 | $19.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,693 | $21.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,556 | $26.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $70,111 | $33.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,068 | $40.89 |
Median Salary Position
7.67% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Johnston
In Johnston, RI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,252 (2026 est.). At $55,556, the local median is 7.67% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Johnston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Johnston Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Johnston median: $55,556/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Johnston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $57,452 | -3.30% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -7.67% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Johnston, RI earn a median of $55,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.67% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.30% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,452.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Johnston has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Johnston, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,556 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,280 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,741
2025 BLS Actual
$53,512
2026 Current Est.
$55,556
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Johnston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,741 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,373 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,653 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,074 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,258 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,255 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,512 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,556 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,678 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Johnston metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $42,741 (2019) to $53,512 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,678 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,937 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Johnston 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) | $39,816 – $44,693 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,693 – $55,556 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,556 – $70,111 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $70,111 – $85,068 |
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 Johnston
Analyzing the local job market, only eight heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed in Johnston. The cost of living index sits at 100.5, slightly above the national average, which influences the take-home salary for technicians in the area. High-paying opportunities can be found at residential service companies like Carrier and Trane, alongside commercial contractors involved in industrial HVAC projects, where salaries reflect the specificity of the work. Disparities in pay levels often stem from specialization in high-demand areas such as data center solutions or advanced residential services, where commission structures can significantly boost earnings. Technicians can maximize their pay by obtaining certifications like EPA Section 608, NATE, and brand-specific training, allowing them to leverage the rising demand driven by the shift to heat pumps. Understanding the local market dynamics is key, as well as actively seeking employers who value extensive experience and specialized skills.
More salary data for Johnston, 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 $53,512 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Johnston 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 Johnston 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