Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Colorado: $67,232 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Colorado's 33 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $67,232/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Colorado sits at BEA RPP 105.0 (5% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $64,030 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Centennial ($68,624), Denver ($68,001), Boulder ($67,526).
In Colorado, the projected average median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $67,232 for 2026. This figure reflects a substantial increase compared to the national median of $60,174, giving Colorado mechanics an advantage of 11.7%. Salaries vary significantly across the state, with Centennial offering the highest average at $71,245, while Golden comes in at the lowest with $56,302, creating a gap of $14,943. This difference can be attributed to various factors, including the cost of living, demand for skilled technicians in different areas, and local economic conditions. Licensing requirements in Colorado are crucial for this profession, as technicians must obtain appropriate credentials to ensure compliance with state regulations. The demand for HVACR services is expected to grow, driven by factors such as increasing population, construction activity, and a heightened focus on energy efficiency. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.82%, the job market for mechanics and installers remains strong, supported by a total employment figure of 7,769 across the state. The leading cities for employment and salary include Denver at $70,599, Boulder at $70,105, Aurora at $69,049, and Fort Collins at $65,382, reflecting regional variations in job opportunities and pay.
Colorado Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Colorado: $37,622 (lowest entry-level) to $112,112 (highest top earner)
Colorado vs National Average
Colorado heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 11.73% more than the national median (+$7,058/year difference).
Colorado Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Colorado range from $47,515 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $101,094 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $67,232. The Colorado median is $7,058 above the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $32.32/hr. Approximately 7,769 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 33 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$54,426
2025 BLS Actual
$64,758
2026 Current Est.
$67,232
2019–2027 Growth
+28.2%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Colorado (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,426 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,698 | Actual |
| 2021 | $57,478 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,580 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,497 | Actual |
| 2024 | $63,805 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,758 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,232 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,800 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Colorado metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 19.0% from $54,426 (2019) to $64,758 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,800 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,374 (28.25%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Colorado 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.
Top 5 Highest Paying Cities in Colorado
Lowest Paying Cities in Colorado
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Golden | $56,302 |
| Evans | $56,650 |
| Louisville | $56,982 |
| Durango | $57,318 |
| Steamboat Springs | $57,681 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Colorado
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Colorado cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Centennial | $71,245 | 105 | $67,852 |
| Denver | $70,599 | 105.782 | $66,740 |
| Boulder | $70,105 | 105.202 | $66,638 |
| Aurora | $69,049 | 105 | $65,761 |
| Fort Collins | $65,382 | 101.128 | $64,653 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Colorado
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $47,515 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $67,232 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $101,094 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Colorado metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 33 Cities in Colorado
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Centennial | $71,245 |
| 2 | Denver | $70,599 |
| 3 | Boulder | $70,105 |
| 4 | Aurora | $69,049 |
| 5 | Fort Collins | $65,382 |
| 6 | Loveland | $63,815 |
| 7 | Arvada | $62,634 |
| 8 | Thornton | $62,130 |
| 9 | Westminster | $61,512 |
| 10 | Lakewood | $61,215 |
| 11 | Greeley | $61,170 |
| 12 | Parker | $60,633 |
| 13 | Colorado Springs | $60,617 |
| 14 | Erie | $60,524 |
| 15 | Windsor | $60,371 |
| 16 | Castle Rock | $60,255 |
| 17 | Broomfield | $60,235 |
| 18 | Longmont | $60,217 |
| 19 | Englewood | $59,755 |
| 20 | Grand Junction | $59,710 |
| 21 | Commerce City | $59,339 |
| 22 | Lafayette | $59,199 |
| 23 | Wheat Ridge | $58,858 |
| 24 | Brighton | $58,307 |
| 25 | Pueblo | $58,300 |
| 26 | Littleton | $58,112 |
| 27 | Fountain | $58,079 |
| 28 | Northglenn | $58,022 |
| 29 | Steamboat Springs | $57,681 |
| 30 | Durango | $57,318 |
| 31 | Louisville | $56,982 |
| 32 | Evans | $56,650 |
| 33 | Golden | $56,302 |
More Colorado Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Colorado cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Compare Cities in Colorado
View all comparisons →Explore More Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Colorado in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Colorado?
How does Colorado heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Colorado?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Colorado?
Which Colorado city offers the best value for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation across Colorado. State averages are employment-weighted across 33 metro areas — larger metro areas with more heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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