Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Binghamton, NY: $86,508 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers working in Binghamton, NY — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $86,508/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 49-9021. Strip back Binghamton's price premium (BEA RPP 92.9, 7% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $93,157 in average-cost America. The 41% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Official BLS data · View source

In Binghamton, NY, the compensation landscape for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers shows promising potential for seasoned professionals. With the highest earners landing an impressive annual salary of $86,508, the earning prospects for those in the upper echelon are considerably above the median of $61,170. This stark contrast highlights the significant experience premium available in the industry; those able to navigate complex systems and environments with over seven years in the field often achieve salaries that can exceed the national top earners. To reach such levels of income in Binghamton’s competitive market, professionals must develop specialized skills, deepen their expertise in high-demand sectors, and demonstrate strong leadership capabilities.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Binghamton
Experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers at the top of the pay scale in Binghamton earn between $73,844 and $86,508 per year (2026 est.). This $40,497 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Binghamton median of $61,170 sits 1.66% above the US median.
Top HACR Salary Comparison
| Level | Binghamton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $61,170 | $60,174 |
| 75th Percentile | $73,844 | $76,004 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $86,508 | $93,905 |
In Binghamton, experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (P90) earn 41.42% 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 Binghamton
Advanced Certifications in New York
NY heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers with additional specialty certifications within the hvac field earn significantly above the $61,170 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Binghamton employers.
Specialty Focus
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the hvac field in Binghamton command premium compensation, often reaching the $73,844–$86,508 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Binghamton 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 Binghamton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this competitive market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in New York 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 Binghamton
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
AdvancedBinghamton ranks #30 of 39 New York cities for top earner heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary (90th percentile: $86,508).
Top 10% heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation in Binghamton ($86,508) is 15.95% below the New York average P90 ($102,928).
2019 BLS Actual
$77,690
2025 BLS Actual
$83,325
2026 Current Est.
$86,508
2019–2027 Growth
+15.6%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Binghamton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,690 | Actual |
| 2020 | $75,850 | Actual |
| 2021 | $75,460 | Actual |
| 2022 | $80,260 | Actual |
| 2023 | $84,330 | Actual |
| 2024 | $89,290 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,325 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,508 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $89,813 | Projected |
Top-earning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (90th percentile) in Binghamton saw their compensation grow 7.3% from $77,690 in 2019 to $83,325 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 $89,813 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Binghamton 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 Binghamton
The demand for specialized skills can greatly influence senior heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in NY. Expertise in commercial and industrial HVAC systems or precision cooling for data centers typically commands higher wages, as does proficiency in refrigeration systems used in supermarkets and food services. Compensation varies significantly depending on the employer type; for instance, large commercial HVAC contractors or manufacturer technical support teams often offer more stable salaries compared to residential service companies, where variable income through commissions can influence earnings. Advanced credentials such as the EPA Section 608 Universal certification or NATE certification can further enhance marketability and pay. Additionally, engagement in the growing field of heat pump installations, driven by an influx in tax incentives and energy-efficient technologies, presents further opportunities for income growth in Binghamton as the industry adapts to evolving refrigerant standards and the demands of an aging workforce looking to retire.
More salary data for Binghamton, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Binghamton in 2026?
What drives higher heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Binghamton?
What certifications boost heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Binghamton?
Can experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make six figures in Binghamton?
How much does heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary increase over time in Binghamton?
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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 $83,325 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the Binghamton 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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