Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Radford, VA: $50,207 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Radford, VA earns a median $50,207/year (≈ $24.14/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Radford's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $48,650 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 13.9% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the average pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Radford, Virginia, is projected to reach $50,207 annually. This is considerably lower than the national median of $60,174, reflecting unique local market conditions and demand for specialized skills. The salary range in Radford spans from $34,396 at the 10th percentile up to $71,842 for those at the 90th percentile. These figures, based on 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, illustrate how the growing market for heat pumps and related technologies, bolstered by tax credits under the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), is reshaping the hiring landscape in this sector. Employers are increasingly seeking qualified technicians who can install and maintain new efficient systems, thus enhancing job opportunities in Radford's HVAC market.
About the Radford Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,396 | $16.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,308 | $20.34 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,207 | $24.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $60,579 | $29.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,842 | $34.54 |
Median Salary Position
16.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Radford
In Radford, VA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,446 (2026 est.). At $50,207, the local median is 16.56% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Radford: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Radford Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Radford median: $50,207/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Radford Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $58,313 | -13.90% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -16.56% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Radford, VA earn a median of $50,207 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.56% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 13.90% below the Virginia state average of $58,313.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Radford has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Radford, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $50,207 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $48,650 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,626
2025 BLS Actual
$48,360
2026 Current Est.
$50,207
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Radford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,626 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,101 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,547 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,735 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,419 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,274 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,360 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,207 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,125 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Radford metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $38,626 (2019) to $48,360 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,125 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,499 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Radford 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) | $34,396 – $42,308 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,308 – $50,207 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,207 – $60,579 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $60,579 – $71,842 |
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 Radford
As the market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers evolves, Radford currently employs six professionals in this field, making it a relatively niche market. The cost of living index for the area stands at 103.2, indicating that while salaries may be below the national average, they are calibrated against local economic factors that can impact purchasing power. Companies offering top-tier pay tend to specialize in commercial HVAC or hold contracts with major names like Carrier and Trane. The salary variability can be attributed to various factors, including specialization in areas such as data center precision cooling or commercial controls, which often command higher pay than residential service work. Furthermore, commission structures at residential service firms can lead to significantly increased earnings for high-performing technicians, making it crucial for workers to pursue additional certifications and training, such as EPA Section 608 or NATE credentials, to maximize earnings potential in this evolving job market.
More salary data for Radford, VA:
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 $48,360 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Radford 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 Radford 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