Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Wasilla, AK: $56,072 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Wasilla, AK earns a median $56,072/year (≈ $26.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Wasilla's price level (6% above national, BEA RPP 106.1), that paycheck buys what $52,848 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.6% below the Alaska state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, those employed as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Wasilla, Alaska, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $56,072. This local rate falls approximately 6.82% below the national median of $60,174, reflecting the unique economic landscape in Wasilla, where earning potential can vary significantly based on whether the work involves commercial or residential service contracts. Salaries range from a lower tier of $40,124 (P10) to an upper tier of $81,752 (P90), indicating a diverse market that accommodates varying levels of experience and specialization. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for the cost of living in the area, which tends to be slightly higher than the national average.
About the Wasilla Market
Salary estimated from Alaska average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,124 | $19.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,890 | $21.58 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,072 | $26.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,719 | $33.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,752 | $39.31 |
Median Salary Position
6.82% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Wasilla
In Wasilla, AK, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,628 (2026 est.). At $56,072, the local median is 6.82% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Wasilla: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Wasilla Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Wasilla median: $56,072/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Wasilla Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Alaska Average | $60,684 | -7.60% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -6.82% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Wasilla, AK earn a median of $56,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.82% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.60% below the Alaska state average of $60,684.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Wasilla has a cost of living 6.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Wasilla, AK has a cost-of-living index of 106.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,072 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $52,848 — a 5.75% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,138
2025 BLS Actual
$54,009
2026 Current Est.
$56,072
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Wasilla (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,138 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,785 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,050 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,493 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,725 | Actual |
| 2024 | $70,622 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,009 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,072 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,214 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Wasilla metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $43,138 (2019) to $54,009 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,214 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,076 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Wasilla metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $40,124 – $44,890 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,890 – $56,072 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,072 – $68,719 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,719 – $81,752 |
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 Wasilla
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Wasilla is relatively limited, with only four professionals currently employed in the area. The cost of living index stands at 106.1, suggesting that while salaries may be lower compared to national figures, the purchasing power remains essential for living comfortably in Wasilla. High-paying employers include commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial spaces, large data centers, and specialized refrigeration companies, with salaries often driven by the complexity of the job. The income disparity between technicians often results from the type of services provided, such as precision cooling for data centers versus residential installations, commission structures at service companies, and other market demands. For professionals looking to maximize their earning potential, obtaining brand-specific certifications and expanding expertise in emerging technologies like heat pumps could be beneficial strategies, especially as demand for energy-efficient solutions grows amid the push for sustainability and recent tax incentives.
More salary data for Wasilla, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $54,009 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Wasilla 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 Wasilla is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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