Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Del Rio, TX: $48,404 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Del Rio, TX earns a median $48,404/year (≈ $23.27/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Del Rio's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $50,421 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.6% below the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Del Rio is anticipated to reach $48,404 in 2026. This figure reflects a notable contrast to the national median of $60,174, highlighting a local market that is approximately 19.56% below the national average. Within this context, salaries in the region range from $32,083 at the lower end (P10) to $71,112 for highly experienced professionals (P90). With the growth of heat pump installations spurred by IRA tax credits, local demand for skilled technicians is likely to increase, reshaping hiring strategies in Del Rio's HVAC market. This evolving landscape indicates potential for job opportunities, especially for those who are adaptable and certified in new technologies.
About the Del Rio Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,083 | $15.43 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,128 | $18.33 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,404 | $23.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,218 | $28.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,112 | $34.19 |
Median Salary Position
19.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Del Rio
In Del Rio, TX, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,029 (2026 est.). At $48,404, the local median is 19.56% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Del Rio: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Del Rio Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Del Rio median: $48,404/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Del Rio Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,191 | -1.60% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -19.56% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Del Rio, TX earn a median of $48,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.56% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.60% below the Texas state average of $49,191.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Del Rio has a cost of living 4.00% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Del Rio, TX has a cost-of-living index of 96 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $48,404 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $50,421 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,239
2025 BLS Actual
$46,623
2026 Current Est.
$48,404
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Del Rio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,239 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,660 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,162 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,272 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,788 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,925 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,623 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,404 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,253 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Del Rio metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $37,239 (2019) to $46,623 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,253 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,014 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Del Rio 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) | $32,083 – $38,128 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,128 – $48,404 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,404 – $59,218 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,218 – $71,112 |
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 Del Rio
Currently, there are nine heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Del Rio, illustrating a niche job market in this area. The cost of living index, set at 96, suggests that while salaries may be lower compared to the national average, the purchasing power remains reasonable in relation to local living expenses. Employers such as residential service companies, commercial contractors, and manufacturer support teams may offer varying compensation based on experience and specialization. Notably, those working in data center operations or holding advanced certifications can command higher wages. The disparity between low and high earnings in Del Rio reflects several factors: specialized skills in commercial controls, commission structures in residential service roles, and the added value of certifications like NATE. Mechanics who stay current with industry trends and focus on energy-efficient systems will find the best avenues to maximize their earnings within this evolving market.
More salary data for Del Rio, TX:
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 $46,623 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Del Rio 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 Del Rio 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