Buffalo vs Rochester: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Buffalo, NY and Rochester, NY. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Buffalo, NY | Rochester, NY |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $61,328 | $62,699▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $29.48 | $30.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,702 | $45,231▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $49,216 | $50,193▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $76,576 | $77,937▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $90,561▲ | $89,940 |
| Total Employed | 1,370 | 1,850▲ |
Verdict
Rochester, NY offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Buffalo.
The salary gap between Buffalo and Rochester is $1,371 (2.24%). Rochester's median is +4.20% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Buffalo spans $51,859,Rochester spans $44,709. Buffalo has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rochester ($64,615 effective) pays 0.98% more than Buffalo ($63,987 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Buffalo if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($90,561)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Choose Rochester if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($62,699/year)
- ✓Larger job market (1,850 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,615)
- ✓You prefer the New York area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Buffalo grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 27.9% growth in Rochester over the same period.
Buffalo, NY
$48,660 (2019) → $59,071 (2025)
Rochester, NY
$47,230 (2019) → $60,392 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Buffalo, NY
Rochester, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Buffalo or Rochester?
What is the hourly rate difference between Buffalo and Rochester?
Should I relocate from Buffalo to Rochester as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Buffalo vs Rochester?
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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
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