McLean vs Virginia Beach: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between McLean, VA and Virginia Beach, VA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | McLean, VA | Virginia Beach, VA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $57,093 | $58,655▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $27.45 | $28.20▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,308 | $38,682▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $44,577 | $47,224▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $70,673▲ | $69,316 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $85,232▲ | $75,905 |
| Total Employed | 11 | 2,840▲ |
Verdict
Virginia Beach, VA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to McLean.
The salary gap between McLean and Virginia Beach is $1,562 (2.74%). Virginia Beach's median is -2.52% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in McLean spans $47,924,Virginia Beach spans $37,223. McLean 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, Virginia Beach ($59,888 effective) pays 8.25% more than McLean ($55,323 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose McLean if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($85,232)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Choose Virginia Beach if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($58,655/year)
- ✓Larger job market (2,840 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $59,888)
- ✓You prefer the Virginia area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in McLean grew -2.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 17.3% growth in Virginia Beach over the same period.
McLean, VA
$56,576 (2024) → $54,992 (2025)
Virginia Beach, VA
$48,170 (2019) → $56,497 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
McLean, VA
Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: McLean or Virginia Beach?
What is the hourly rate difference between McLean and Virginia Beach?
Should I relocate from McLean to Virginia Beach as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in McLean vs Virginia Beach?
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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