HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Northport, AL: $46,519 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Northport, AL earns a median $46,519/year (≈ $22.36/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Northport's price level (12% below national, BEA RPP 87.9), that paycheck buys what $52,923 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Alabama state average.

$46,519
Median Annual Salary
$22.36/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$30,251
Entry Level (P10)
$69,359
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Northport, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Northport, AL heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the median annual salary for those in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field in Northport, Alabama, is projected to be $46,519. This figure reflects local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments. Salary offerings in this profession range widely, with entry-level positions at approximately $30,251 and experienced technicians earning up to $69,359. Such a spectrum compensates for the variable commission structures often seen in residential service companies, where technicians can significantly boost their incomes through performance-based incentives tied to sales and customer satisfaction. In comparison to the national median of $60,174, Northport’s salaries illustrate local market dynamics that influence overall pay within the region’s HVAC sector.

About the Northport Market

Salary estimated from Alabama average ($48,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$30,251$14.55
Lower Range (P25)$36,176$17.39
Median (P50)(typical)$46,519$22.36
Upper Range (P75)$57,426$27.61
Top Earners (P90)$69,359$33.35

Median Salary Position

$30,251$69,359
City Median: $46,519
National: $60,174
P10–P90 Range

22.69% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northport

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Northport. The median salary is $46,519, compared to the national median of $60,174.$27.2K$38.6K$50.0K$61.4K$72.8K$30.3K10th Pctl$36.2K25th Pctl$46.5KMedian$57.4K75th Pctl$69.4K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

In Northport, AL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,108 (2026 est.). At $46,519, the local median is 22.69% below the national median of $60,174.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Northport metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$895
per week
$3,876
per month
$46,515
per year

At 40 hours/week in Northport: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Northport Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares

Northport median: $46,519/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryNorthport Pays
Alabama Average$47,663-2.40% less
National Average$60,174-22.69% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Northport ($46,519) with Alabama average ($47,663) and the US national median ($60,174).Northport$46,519Alabama Avg$47,663-2.40%US National$60,174-22.69%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Northport, AL earn a median of $46,519 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.69% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.40% below the Alabama state average of $47,663.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$46,519
Nominal Salary
87.9
CoL Index
$52,923
Adjusted Salary

Northport has a cost of living 12.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $46,519. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 87.9, the purchasing-power equivalent is $52,923, a gain of $6,404.$39.5K$47.0K$54.4K$61.8K$69.2K$46,519NominalSalary$52,923CoL Adjusted(CoL: 87.9) 13.77%US Median $60.2K

Northport, AL has a cost-of-living index of 87.9 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $46,519 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $52,923 in an average-cost city — an effective 13.77% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$35,788

2025 BLS Actual

$44,807

2026 Current Est.

$46,519

2019–2027 Growth

+35.0%

Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Northport (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Northport. Baseline $35,788 in 2025, projected to $48,296 by 2027.$33.2K$37.6K$42.0K$46.4K$50.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$35.8K$37.2K$35.7K$37.7K$42.1K$41.2K$44.8K$46.5K$48.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$35,788Actual
2020$37,154Actual
2021$35,715Actual
2022$37,742Actual
2023$42,082Actual
2024$41,200Actual
2025$44,807Actual
2026(current)$46,519Estimated
2027$48,296Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northport metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $35,788 (2019) to $44,807 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,296 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,508 (34.95%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northport metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Salary by Experience Level

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$30,251$36,176
3-5 years (Mid Career)$36,176$46,519
5+ years (Experienced)$46,519$57,426
10+ years (Top Earner)$57,426$69,359

HACR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Job Market in Northport

Currently, Northport has a modest number of employed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, with only five individuals working in this trade. While the cost-of-living index stands at 87.9, below the national average, it enhances the local take-home purchasing power, allowing for a more comfortable lifestyle despite the lower salary levels. Employers such as residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors offer the most competitive wages, particularly those specializing in data center operations or refrigeration solutions for supermarkets. The pay disparity is often affected by niche specialties, such as precision cooling and advanced controls, as well as pay structures that reward technicians based on on-call rotations or specific certifications like NATE and state contractor licensing. To maximize earning potential, those in Northport should consider acquiring additional qualifications in green technologies, such as heat pumps, which are increasingly in demand due to related federal credits aimed at encouraging energy-efficient installations.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Northport, AL in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Northport is $46,519/year ($22.36/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Salaries range from $30,251 at entry level (10th percentile) to $69,359 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Northport at 22.7% below the national median. Full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Northport, AL a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Northport heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries are 22.7% below the national average and 2.4% below the Alabama state average. The metro area employs approximately 5 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index of 87.9, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Northport?

The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Northport is $46,519, and the 90th percentile earns $69,359. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Northport?

After adjusting for Northport's cost-of-living index of 87.9 (where 100 equals the national average), the $46,519 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $52,923 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 13.8% further in Northport compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers seeking strong real wages.

How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Northport?

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Northport earn a median hourly rate of $22.36, which translates to approximately $46,519/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $14.55 for entry-level positions to $33.35 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

Methodology & Data Source

Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,807 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Northport metropolitan area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Northport is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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