Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mount Pleasant, SC: $58,080 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Mount Pleasant, SC earns a median $58,080/year (≈ $27.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Mount Pleasant's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $63,475 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.5% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Mount Pleasant's heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are positioned to benefit from the growing demand for heat pump technology, fueled by IRA tax credits. With a median annual salary estimated at $58,080 for 2026, the pay range for these professionals runs from $38,272 at the 10th percentile to $89,127 at the 90th percentile. These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect the local cost adjustments pertinent to this region, where the opportunity for skilled technicians remains strong as the demand for energy-efficient systems rises. Such dynamics suggest that the job market is adapting, making it an auspicious time for workers equipped with the right certifications as industry standards evolve.
About the Mount Pleasant Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,272 | $18.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,485 | $21.39 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,080 | $27.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,843 | $35.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $89,127 | $42.85 |
Median Salary Position
3.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Pleasant
In Mount Pleasant, SC, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,855 (2026 est.). At $58,080, the local median is 3.48% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Mount Pleasant: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mount Pleasant Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Mount Pleasant median: $58,080/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mount Pleasant Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $57,222 | +1.50% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -3.48% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Mount Pleasant, SC earn a median of $58,080 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.48% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.50% above the South Carolina state average of $57,222.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mount Pleasant has a cost of living 8.50% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mount Pleasant, SC has a cost-of-living index of 91.5 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $58,080 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,475 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,683
2025 BLS Actual
$55,943
2026 Current Est.
$58,080
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mount Pleasant (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,683 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,388 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,591 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,122 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,541 | Actual |
| 2024 | $46,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,943 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,080 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,299 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mount Pleasant metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,683 (2019) to $55,943 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,299 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,616 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Pleasant 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) | $38,272 – $44,485 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,485 – $58,080 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,080 – $72,843 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,843 – $89,127 |
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 Mount Pleasant
In total, 19 workers are currently employed as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mount Pleasant, SC, a number that illustrates a compact but stable job market. With a cost of living index of 91.5, residents may find their purchasing power more favorable compared to national averages, offering a compelling incentive for local employment. Employers that typically offer higher pay include established residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors, particularly those engaging in specialized projects like data center operations. Those looking to maximize their earnings can benefit from honing skills in niche areas like precision cooling or obtaining relevant certifications such as NATE. Additionally, understanding the commission structure within residential firms can lead to higher initial pay, while seeking salaried positions in commercial sectors may provide less volatility. Given the transition to newer refrigerants and evolving technologies, staying updated on training and certifications will be key for both new entrants and experienced technicians aiming to thrive in this competitive market.
More salary data for Mount Pleasant, SC:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Mount Pleasant, SC
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mount Pleasant, SC
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mount Pleasant, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mount Pleasant, SC in 2026?
Is Mount Pleasant, SC 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 Mount Pleasant?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Mount Pleasant?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Mount Pleasant?
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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 $55,943 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Mount Pleasant 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 Mount Pleasant 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