Bozeman vs Great Falls: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Bozeman, MT and Great Falls, MT. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bozeman, MT | Great Falls, MT |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $71,970▲ | $59,839 |
| Hourly Rate | $34.60▲ | $28.77 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,236▲ | $41,030 |
| 25th Percentile | $57,827▲ | $46,178 |
| 75th Percentile | $80,462▲ | $73,548 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $88,283▲ | $80,117 |
| Total Employed | 210▲ | 150 |
Verdict
Bozeman, MT offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Great Falls.
The salary gap between Bozeman and Great Falls is $12,131 (20.27%). Bozeman's median is +19.60% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bozeman spans $39,047,Great Falls spans $39,087. Great Falls has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Bozeman ($70,208 effective) pays 13.63% more than Great Falls ($61,788 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bozeman if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($71,970/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($88,283)
- ✓Larger job market (210 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $70,208)
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Choose Great Falls if…
- ✓You prefer the Montana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Bozeman grew 8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -9.5% growth in Great Falls over the same period.
Bozeman, MT
$63,720 (2024) → $69,322 (2025)
Great Falls, MT
$63,680 (2019) → $57,637 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bozeman, MT
Great Falls, MT
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Bozeman or Great Falls?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bozeman and Great Falls?
Should I relocate from Bozeman to Great Falls as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Bozeman vs Great Falls?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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