Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Providence, RI: $55,119 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in North Providence, RI earns a median $55,119/year (≈ $26.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in North Providence's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $54,845 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In North Providence, Rhode Island, the expected median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is projected to be $55,119. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $60,174, indicating a regional pay gap. Salaries for these professionals across the area vary significantly, ranging from $38,789 at the 10th percentile to as high as $83,697 at the 90th percentile. These projections are based on 2025 BLS data and are adjusted to reflect local cost considerations, which slightly exceed the national average at a cost of living index of 100.5. The job market in North Providence reflects a blend of commercial and residential service work, with a growing demand for specialized roles, especially in data centers and commercial HVAC sectors.
About the North Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,789 | $18.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,040 | $21.66 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,119 | $26.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,966 | $33.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,697 | $40.24 |
Median Salary Position
8.4% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Providence
In North Providence, RI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,908 (2026 est.). At $55,119, the local median is 8.4% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Providence: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Providence Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
North Providence median: $55,119/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Providence Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $57,476 | -4.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -8.40% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in North Providence, RI earn a median of $55,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.40% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,476.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Providence has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
North Providence, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $55,119 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,845 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,405
2025 BLS Actual
$53,091
2026 Current Est.
$55,119
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in North Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,405 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,023 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,318 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,863 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,781 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,091 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,119 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,225 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Providence metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $42,405 (2019) to $53,091 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,225 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,820 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Providence 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) | $38,789 – $45,040 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,040 – $55,119 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,119 – $68,966 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,966 – $83,697 |
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 North Providence
The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers remains active, with only six professionals currently employed in North Providence. The cost-of-living index indicates that take-home pay could stretch further than in higher-cost areas, though the relatively modest salaries may still challenge purchasing power. Among local employers, commercial HVAC contractors and large data center operations tend to offer better compensation compared to residential service companies. Factors influencing the salary spectrum include the specialization required for commercial systems, potential earnings from commission-based roles in residential services, and regional demand for heat pump installations fueled by growing tax credits. Technicians looking to enhance their earning capacity in North Providence should focus on acquiring state contractor licenses and further certifications like NATE, while also considering opportunities in sectors with less income variability such as industrial and hospital HVAC services.
More salary data for North Providence, RI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in North Providence, RI
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Providence, RI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in North Providence, RI in 2026?
Is North Providence, RI 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 North Providence?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in North Providence?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in North Providence?
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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 $53,091 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the North Providence 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 North Providence 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