Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Colchester, VT: $54,768 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Colchester, VT earns a median $54,768/year (≈ $26.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Colchester's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $52,916 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Colchester, Vermont, the shift towards heat pump technology bolstered by the IRA tax credit is fueling new opportunities in the HVAC industry. As of 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median annual salary of $54,768, with a salary range spanning from $39,131 at the 10th percentile to $82,025 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional costs depict a workforce that is adapting to a landscape increasingly focused on efficient heating solutions, thereby reshaping hiring practices in this growing market.
About the Colchester Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,131 | $18.81 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,169 | $21.72 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,768 | $26.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,345 | $32.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,025 | $39.43 |
Median Salary Position
8.98% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Colchester
In Colchester, VT, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,894 (2026 est.). At $54,768, the local median is 8.98% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Colchester: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Colchester Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Colchester median: $54,768/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Colchester Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $59,145 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -8.98% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Colchester, VT earn a median of $54,768 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.98% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.40% below the Vermont state average of $59,145.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Colchester has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Colchester, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,768 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,916 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,135
2025 BLS Actual
$52,753
2026 Current Est.
$54,768
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Colchester (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,135 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,743 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,048 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,435 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,545 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,568 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,753 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,768 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,860 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colchester metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $42,135 (2019) to $52,753 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,860 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,725 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colchester 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) | $39,131 – $45,169 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,169 – $54,768 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,768 – $68,345 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,345 – $82,025 |
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 Colchester
While there are currently only four professionals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Colchester, the local job market shows promise. With a cost-of-living index at 103.5, it suggests that while salaries may appear lower compared to national averages, local purchasing power remains viable. Employers like multi-location franchises and commercial HVAC contractors lead in pay, particularly for roles requiring specialized knowledge in precision cooling or advanced refrigerant technologies. The disparity between the lower and higher end of the salary spectrum can often be attributed to the complexity of the systems being serviced and the additional certifications required, such as state HVAC contractor licenses or NATE credentials. Workers seeking to maximize their earnings in Colchester should consider developing skills in high-demand specialties like data center cooling or pursuing positions with strong incentive programs in residential service companies, which may offer commission-based pay structures.
More salary data for Colchester, VT:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Colchester, VT
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Colchester, VT
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Colchester, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Colchester, VT in 2026?
Is Colchester, VT 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 Colchester?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Colchester?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Colchester?
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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 $52,753 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Colchester 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 Colchester 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