Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in DeSoto, TX: $49,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in DeSoto, TX earns a median $49,284/year (≈ $23.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in DeSoto's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.0), that paycheck buys what $51,338 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% above the Texas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeSoto, TX, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 stands at $49,284. This figure indicates a competitive compensation landscape, especially when considering that local salaries range from $31,498 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $76,391 at the higher end (90th percentile). These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflect the local demand for skilled technicians. Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in DeSoto not only have access to a range of employment opportunities but can also benefit from commission incentives within residential service companies that often enhance overall earnings.
About the DeSoto Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,498 | $15.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $38,093 | $18.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,284 | $23.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,078 | $29.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $76,391 | $36.73 |
Median Salary Position
18.1% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in DeSoto
In DeSoto, TX, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $44,893 (2026 est.). At $49,284, the local median is 18.1% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in DeSoto: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How DeSoto Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
DeSoto median: $49,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | DeSoto Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,186 | +0.20% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -18.10% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in DeSoto, TX earn a median of $49,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.10% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.20% above the Texas state average of $49,186.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
DeSoto 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.
DeSoto, 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 $49,284 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $51,338 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.17% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,916
2025 BLS Actual
$47,471
2026 Current Est.
$49,284
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in DeSoto (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,916 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,838 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $44,584 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,889 | Actual |
| 2025 | $47,471 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,167 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the DeSoto metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $37,916 (2019) to $47,471 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,167 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,251 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeSoto 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) | $31,498 – $38,093 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $38,093 – $49,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,284 – $61,078 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,078 – $76,391 |
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 DeSoto
Despite a modest local employment count of just nine mechanics and installers, the job market in DeSoto offers potential for growth, especially with an anticipated annual growth rate of 3.82%. The cost of living index at 96 suggests that residents can stretch their earnings further compared to national averages. HVAC employers in the area vary widely, including residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors, each presenting diverse earning potentials. While commissions and spiffs can significantly raise pay in residential sectors, those focusing on specialized commercial work, such as data centers, may find more stable salaries with less variability. Aspiring technicians looking to maximize their pay in DeSoto should consider obtaining advanced certifications, joining established companies, and networking within the community to explore the various opportunities this market presents.
More salary data for DeSoto, 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 $47,471 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the DeSoto 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 DeSoto 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