Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Charleston, SC: $58,838 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in North Charleston, SC earns a median $58,838/year (≈ $28.29/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in North Charleston's price level (8% below national, BEA RPP 91.5), that paycheck buys what $64,304 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.8% above the South Carolina state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Charleston, SC, can expect a median annual salary of $58,838, slightly below the national median of $60,174. With an estimated salary range from $35,818 at the lower end to $91,199 at the upper end, these figures reflect local adjustments based on state-level data and regional price parities. The increasing demand for heat pump installations, driven in part by the IRA tax credits, is reshaping hiring patterns in this market. Local companies are actively seeking skilled technicians to meet this surge, which is contributing to a vibrant job market for this specialization in North Charleston.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,818 | $17.22 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,864 | $23.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,838 | $28.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,225 | $35.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $91,199 | $43.84 |
Median Salary Position
2.22% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in North Charleston
In North Charleston, SC, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,381 (2026 est.). At $58,838, the local median is 2.22% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in North Charleston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How North Charleston Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
North Charleston median: $58,838/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | North Charleston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Carolina Average | $57,235 | +2.80% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -2.22% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in North Charleston, SC earn a median of $58,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.80% above the South Carolina state average of $57,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
North Charleston 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.
North Charleston, 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 $58,838 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $64,304 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.29% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$45,266
2025 BLS Actual
$56,673
2026 Current Est.
$58,838
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,266 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,994 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,173 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,737 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,227 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,193 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,673 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,838 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,086 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the North Charleston metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $45,266 (2019) to $56,673 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,086 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,820 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the North Charleston 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) | $35,818 – $47,864 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,864 – $58,838 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,838 – $74,225 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,225 – $91,199 |
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 Charleston
The local job market is relatively robust, with 22 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in the area. Given the cost of living index of 91.5, which is below the national average, this income allows for reasonable purchasing power. Among employers, commercial HVAC contractors for schools and hospitals may offer the highest pay, whereas residential service companies often base compensation on a commission structure that can lead technicians to earn significantly more in high-volume settings but also brings added pressure. The varying pay levels relate to factors like specialization and the demand for heat pumps, where certification and state contractor licensing can be distinguishing elements. To maximize earning potential, technicians should consider obtaining brand-specific certifications and engaging in continued education around emerging refrigerants, which can provide a competitive edge in this evolving landscape of HVAC technology in North Charleston.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in North Charleston, SC
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Charleston, SC
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in North Charleston, SC in 2026?
Is North Charleston, 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 North Charleston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in North Charleston?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in North Charleston?
Related Pages
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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 $56,673 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the North Charleston 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 Charleston 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