Kearney vs Lincoln: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Kearney, NE and Lincoln, NE. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Kearney, NE | Lincoln, NE |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $50,370 | $58,537▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $24.22 | $28.14▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,541 | $41,178▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $41,386 | $46,592▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $63,243 | $72,759▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $76,845 | $79,751▲ |
| Total Employed | 9 | 490▲ |
Verdict
Lincoln, NE offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Kearney.
The salary gap between Kearney and Lincoln is $8,167 (16.21%). Lincoln's median is -2.72% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Kearney spans $41,304,Lincoln spans $38,573. Kearney 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, Lincoln ($63,918 effective) pays 16.11% more than Kearney ($55,049 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Kearney if…
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Choose Lincoln if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,537/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($79,751)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $63,918)
- ✓You prefer the Nebraska area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Kearney grew -1.7% from 2024 to 2025, compared to -0.5% growth in Lincoln over the same period.
Kearney, NE
$49,343 (2024) → $48,517 (2025)
Lincoln, NE
$56,650 (2019) → $56,383 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Kearney, NE
Lincoln, NE
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Kearney or Lincoln?
What is the hourly rate difference between Kearney and Lincoln?
Should I relocate from Kearney to Lincoln as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Kearney vs Lincoln?
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