Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Milwaukee, WI: $57,477 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in South Milwaukee, WI earns a median $57,477/year (≈ $27.64/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in South Milwaukee's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 93.4), that paycheck buys what $61,539 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.0% below the Wisconsin state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in South Milwaukee is projected to reach a median annual income of $57,477. When looking at the salary range, professionals can earn as little as $38,962 at the lower end (P10) and up to $86,912 at the top end (P90). These figures are estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional price parities, reflecting the local job market conditions. The commission-based structure prevalent in residential service companies can significantly influence earnings, as skilled technicians often have opportunities to enhance their compensation through sales and performance incentives. This dynamic may affect the overall earnings landscape for HVAC professionals in South Milwaukee, making it an intriguing market for both entry-level and experienced mechanics and installers.
About the South Milwaukee Market
Salary estimated from Wisconsin average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,962 | $18.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,690 | $21.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,477 | $27.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,895 | $33.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,912 | $41.79 |
Median Salary Position
4.48% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Milwaukee
In South Milwaukee, WI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,950 (2026 est.). At $57,477, the local median is 4.48% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Milwaukee: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Milwaukee Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
South Milwaukee median: $57,477/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Milwaukee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin Average | $60,502 | -5.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -4.48% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in South Milwaukee, WI earn a median of $57,477 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.48% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.00% below the Wisconsin state average of $60,502.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Milwaukee 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.
South Milwaukee, 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 $57,477 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,539 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.07% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,219
2025 BLS Actual
$55,362
2026 Current Est.
$57,477
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Milwaukee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,219 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,907 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,128 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,633 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,995 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,015 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,362 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,477 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,672 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Milwaukee metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,219 (2019) to $55,362 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,672 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,453 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Milwaukee 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) | $38,962 – $45,690 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,690 – $57,477 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,477 – $68,895 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,895 – $86,912 |
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 South Milwaukee
Despite the comparatively modest average salaries, South Milwaukee's job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers exhibits a degree of stability with six employed in the area. The cost of living in South Milwaukee is indexed at 93.4, which is below the national average, suggesting that take-home pay stretches further than it might in higher-cost regions. Among local employers, residential service companies tend to offer competitive compensation, particularly those involved with specialized installation work, such as heat pump solutions that are gaining traction due to tax incentives from IRA credits. The pay gap between the lower and upper ends of the salary spectrum can be attributed to various factors, including specialization in data center precision cooling, state licensing for self-employed contractors, and brand-specific certifications. For those looking to optimize earning potential in South Milwaukee, focusing on gaining specialized skills, exploring commission opportunities, and keeping abreast of changes in HVAC technology will be essential strategies for success.
More salary data for South Milwaukee, WI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in South Milwaukee, WI
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Milwaukee, WI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Milwaukee, WI
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in South Milwaukee, WI in 2026?
Is South Milwaukee, 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 South Milwaukee?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in South Milwaukee?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in South Milwaukee?
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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 $55,362 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the South Milwaukee 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 South Milwaukee 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