Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Plymouth, MA: $113,261 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers working in Plymouth, MA — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $113,261/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 49-9021. Strip back Plymouth's price premium (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $104,388 in average-cost America. The 55% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Senior professionals in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry in Plymouth, Massachusetts, stand to earn a significant salary based on their expertise and tenure. In 2026, the median annual salary for these experienced technicians is projected at $73,072, but top earners in the field can receive as much as $113,261. This high end of the scale represents a compelling increase compared to the national top earners, indicating that individuals with advanced skills and specializations are well-compensated for their contributions. Achieving this level of pay typically involves over seven years of experience and involves advanced knowledge in specialized areas such as commercial and industrial HVAC systems, allowing professionals to command higher salaries than their peers. The difference between the median salary and top-tier pay underscores the importance of continuous education and credentialing in this competitive market.
About the Plymouth Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Plymouth
Experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers at the top of the pay scale in Plymouth earn between $92,494 and $113,261 per year (2026 est.). This $65,962 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Plymouth median of $73,072 sits 21.43% above the US median.
Top HACR Salary Comparison
| Level | Plymouth | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $73,072 | $60,174 |
| 75th Percentile | $92,494 | $76,004 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $113,261 | $93,905 |
In Plymouth, experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (P90) earn 55.00% 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 Plymouth
Advanced Certifications in Massachusetts
MA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers with additional specialty certifications within the hvac field earn significantly above the $73,072 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Plymouth employers.
Specialty Focus
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the hvac field in Plymouth command premium compensation, often reaching the $92,494–$113,261 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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 Massachusetts 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 Plymouth
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
AdvancedPlymouth ranks #6 of 59 Massachusetts cities for top earner heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary (90th percentile: $113,261).
Top 10% heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation in Plymouth ($113,261) is 12.36% above the Massachusetts average P90 ($100,799).
2019 BLS Actual
$89,283
2025 BLS Actual
$109,094
2026 Current Est.
$113,261
2019–2027 Growth
+31.7%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Plymouth (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $89,283 | Actual |
| 2020 | $92,606 | Actual |
| 2021 | $89,615 | Actual |
| 2022 | $94,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $96,536 | Actual |
| 2024 | $119,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $109,094 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $113,261 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $117,588 | Projected |
Top-earning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (90th percentile) in Plymouth saw their compensation grow 22.2% from $89,283 in 2019 to $109,094 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 $117,588 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth 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 Plymouth
Plymouth offers various branches within the heating and refrigeration sector that can significantly influence salary potential. Specialization is key; areas such as commercial HVAC service, data center cooling, and controls specialization can lead to substantial pay premiums. Employers in the commercial sector, such as hospitals and industrial buildings, tend to provide higher salaries than those in residential services. Independent contractors may also see different compensation structures, particularly those who have their state HVAC contractor license, which allows them to take on larger projects. Career progression plays a vital role, as movement from roles like service technician to positions such as service manager or controls specialist can yield higher earnings. Advanced certifications, including NATE accreditation and EPA Section 608 Universal certification, not only enhance technical skills but also improve marketability, presenting pathways to senior roles that can exceed basic salary measures.
More salary data for Plymouth, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Plymouth in 2026?
What drives higher heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Plymouth?
What certifications boost heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Plymouth?
Can experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make six figures in Plymouth?
How much does heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary increase over time in Plymouth?
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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 $109,094 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the Plymouth 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 Plymouth 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