Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in De Pere, WI: $59,400 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in De Pere, WI earns a median $59,400/year (≈ $28.56/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in De Pere's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $63,597 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In De Pere, Wisconsin, the evolving landscape of HVAC technology is not only shaping the work environment but also influencing compensation trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. For 2026, the projected median annual salary is approximately $59,400, which is slightly below the national median of $60,174. With a salary range from $39,168 at the 10th percentile to $87,100 at the 90th percentile, local technicians stand to benefit from opportunities driven by the increased demand for heat pump installations supported by the IRA tax credit. These shifts are prompting employers in De Pere to seek skilled technicians who are prepared to engage with emerging technologies and adapt to the changing market needs.
About the De Pere Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,168 | $18.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,592 | $22.40 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,400 | $28.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $73,714 | $35.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $87,100 | $41.87 |
Median Salary Position
1.29% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in De Pere
In De Pere, WI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,932 (2026 est.). At $59,400, the local median is 1.29% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in De Pere: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How De Pere Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
De Pere median: $59,400/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | De Pere Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $60,488 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -1.29% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in De Pere, WI earn a median of $59,400 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.29% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.80% below the Wisconsin state average of $60,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
De Pere has a cost of living 6.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
De Pere, WI has a cost-of-living index of 93.4 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $59,400 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,597 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$45,698
2025 BLS Actual
$57,214
2026 Current Est.
$59,400
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in De Pere (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $45,698 | Actual |
| 2020 | $47,442 | Actual |
| 2021 | $45,604 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,193 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,735 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,856 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,214 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,400 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,669 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the De Pere metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $45,698 (2019) to $57,214 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,669 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,971 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the De Pere 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) | $39,168 – $46,592 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,592 – $59,400 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,400 – $73,714 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $73,714 – $87,100 |
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 De Pere
While De Pere currently employs six individuals in this field, the local job market demonstrates potential for growth. The cost of living index stands at 93.4, indicating that salaries generally stretch further in this area compared to the national average. Various employers such as residential service companies—like Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists—alongside commercial HVAC contractors, provide competitive salaries, especially for those with specialized skills in data center cooling systems or advanced oven control systems. The disparity in salaries often hinges on factors such as specialty skills, demand for heat pumps, and commission structures that can significantly enhance earnings for residential service technicians. To maximize earning potential, pursuing brand-specific certifications, joining ACCA, or obtaining a state contractor license could be advantageous strategies for HVAC professionals in De Pere, WI.
More salary data for De Pere, WI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in De Pere, WI in 2026?
Is De Pere, WI 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 De Pere?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in De Pere?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in De Pere?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Wisconsin
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 $57,214 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the De Pere 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 De Pere 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