Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Burlington, IA: $85,140 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers working in Burlington, IA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $85,140/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 49-9021. Strip back Burlington's price premium (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $94,181 in average-cost America. The 47% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, the potential earnings for seasoned heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are quite favorable, particularly for top performers. The projected salary range for senior professionals indicates that those in the 90th percentile can earn as much as $85,140 in 2026, while the 75th percentile reports an annual salary of $71,250. This reflects a significant gap between the median salary of $57,811 and the pay for the highest earners. Reaching the upper echelons of this field requires not only extensive hands-on experience, typically seven years or more, but also specialized certifications and skills. Professionals who focus on advanced technologies, such as HVAC controls or commercial refrigeration systems, further enhance their earning potential in a market where demand is growing for refined expertise.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
Experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers at the top of the pay scale in Burlington earn between $71,250 and $85,140 per year (2026 est.). This $45,141 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Burlington median of $57,811 sits 3.93% below the US median.
Top HACR Salary Comparison
| Level | Burlington | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $57,811 | $60,174 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,250 | $76,004 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $85,140 | $93,905 |
In Burlington, experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (P90) earn 47.27% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay in Burlington
Advanced Certifications in Iowa
IA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers with additional specialty certifications within the hvac field earn significantly above the $57,811 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Burlington employers.
Specialty Focus
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the hvac field in Burlington command premium compensation, often reaching the $71,250–$85,140 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Burlington metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Burlington with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Iowa who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Career & Wage Growth Path in Burlington
Clinical Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer
5-10 yearsHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedBurlington ranks #14 of 26 Iowa cities for top earner heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary (90th percentile: $85,140).
Top 10% heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation in Burlington ($85,140) is 6.76% below the Iowa average P90 ($91,314).
2019 BLS Actual
$67,115
2025 BLS Actual
$82,007
2026 Current Est.
$85,140
2019–2027 Growth
+31.7%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $67,115 | Actual |
| 2020 | $69,612 | Actual |
| 2021 | $67,364 | Actual |
| 2022 | $71,171 | Actual |
| 2023 | $72,567 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,311 | Actual |
| 2025 | $82,007 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $85,140 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,392 | Projected |
Top-earning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (90th percentile) in Burlington saw their compensation grow 22.2% from $67,115 in 2019 to $82,007 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $88,392 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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.
Maximizing Your Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Earnings in Burlington
Qualifications play a pivotal role in determining senior heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Burlington, IA. Specialties such as commercial and industrial HVAC, precision cooling for data centers, and advanced controls systems command premium compensation, setting experienced professionals apart in the job market. Compensation structures vary widely depending on the type of employer; residential service companies often utilize commission structures that can drive income into the six-figure range for those willing to manage the associated pressures. Conversely, salaries in commercial HVAC roles generally come with more stability and predictability but may offer less variability in earnings. Advancement within the field can lead to positions like service manager or comfort advisor, both of which provide opportunities for increased income and responsibilities. Enhanced credentials such as the EPA Section 608 certification and NATE certification can significantly influence salary potential and employment prospects, reflecting a broader ongoing evolution in skill requirements amid changes in industry practices and emerging technologies.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Burlington in 2026?
What drives higher heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Burlington?
What certifications boost heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Burlington?
Can experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make six figures in Burlington?
How much does heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary increase over time in Burlington?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $82,007 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the Burlington metro area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Burlington 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