HVAC Tech Salary

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.

$113,261
Top 10% Earn
$54.45/hr
Top Hourly Rate
$92,494
75th Percentile
$113,261
90th Percentile

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Senior Salary in Plymouth, MA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Plymouth, MA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer senior salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Plymouth. The median salary is $73,072, compared to the national median of $60,174.$42.6K$61.7K$80.7K$99.8K$118.9K$47.3K10th Pctl$56.9K25th Pctl$73.1KMedian$92.5K75th Pctl$113.3K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Plymouth metro area.

Top HACR Salary Comparison

LevelPlymouthNational
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

1

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.

2

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.

3

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.

4

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.

5

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 years
$47,299 – $73,072

Senior/Lead Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer

5-10 years
$73,072 – $92,494

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Department Manager

10+ years
$92,494+

Educator / Specialty Leadership

Advanced
Varies by role

Plymouth 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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Plymouth. Baseline $89,283 in 2025, projected to $117,588 by 2027.$83.2K$93.8K$104.4K$114.9K$125.5K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$89.3K$92.6K$89.6K$94.7K$96.5K$119.5K$109.1K$113.3K$117.6K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$89,283Actual
2020$92,606Actual
2021$89,615Actual
2022$94,680Actual
2023$96,536Actual
2024$119,477Actual
2025$109,094Actual
2026(current)$113,261Estimated
2027$117,588Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Plymouth metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Plymouth in 2026?

Top-earning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Plymouth (90th percentile) make $113,261/year, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). This is $40,189 more than the area median of $73,072 — representing a significant experience premium. Senior heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically reach this level after 10+ years of clinical experience combined with specialty certifications, strong patient relationships, and working at high-production or specialty practices.

What drives higher heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Plymouth?

Higher heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Plymouth is driven by several key factors: years of clinical experience (10+ years for top tier), specializations, expanded-function certifications that allow additional procedures, and employment at high-production practices or large organizations. Geographic factors within the metro area also matter — practices in affluent neighborhoods or underserved areas often pay premium rates. Building a loyal patient base and strong clinical reputation further supports salary negotiation.

What certifications boost heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Plymouth?

The most impactful salary-boosting certifications for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Plymouth include specialty certifications, advanced treatment certifications, and expanded-function credentials. These certifications can increase earnings well above the median of $73,072, especially when combined with experience at specialty practices.

Can experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make six figures in Plymouth?

Yes — the 90th percentile salary in Plymouth is $113,261, well above $100K. Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers with 10+ years of experience, advanced certifications, and strong negotiation skills are most likely to reach this level. Working at multiple practices, taking on mentoring responsibilities, or specializing in high-demand areas can further push earnings above six figures.

How much does heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary increase over time in Plymouth?

In Plymouth, the gap between entry level ($47,299) and top earners ($113,261) is $65,962, reflecting significant earning potential over a career. Most salary growth occurs in the first 5–10 years through accumulated clinical experience and additional credentials. After year 10, growth slows unless you pursue management roles, teaching positions, or transition into consulting. Continuous professional development is essential for maximizing long-term earnings.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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