Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Macon, GA: $48,308 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Macon, GA earns a median $48,308/year (≈ $23.22/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Macon's price level (11% below national, BEA RPP 88.5), that paycheck buys what $54,568 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Georgia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Macon, Georgia, the projected annual earnings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 stand at $48,308. This figure reflects the local market dynamics where varying commission structures often influence total compensation levels. Technicians may see salaries ranging from $35,931 for those at the lower end of the spectrum to $68,143 for those in higher-paying roles, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) based on 2025 data, projected to 2026. This local salary framework is notably below the national median of $60,174, revealing a significant difference in the income landscape. As the demand for HVAC services continues to rise, particularly due to a growing reliance on heat pumps and energy-efficient systems, Macon provides both challenges and opportunities for industry professionals.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,931 | $17.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,920 | $21.12 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,308 | $23.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,150 | $29.40 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $68,143 | $32.76 |
Median Salary Position
19.72% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Macon
In Macon, GA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $32,212 (2026 est.). At $48,308, the local median is 19.72% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Macon: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Macon Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Macon median: $48,308/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Macon Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Georgia Average | $48,796 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -19.72% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Macon, GA earn a median of $48,308 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.72% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.00% below the Georgia state average of $48,796.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Macon has a cost of living 11.47% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Macon, GA has a cost-of-living index of 88.528 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $48,308 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,568 in an average-cost city — an effective 12.96% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,660
2025 BLS Actual
$46,531
2026 Current Est.
$48,308
2019–2027 Growth
+1.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Macon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,660 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $46,840 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,830 | Actual |
| 2023 | $47,780 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,560 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,531 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,308 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,154 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Macon metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew -6.3% from $49,660 (2019) to $46,531 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,154 by 2027 — a total increase of $494 (0.99%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Macon 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) | $35,931 – $43,920 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,920 – $48,308 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,308 – $61,150 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,150 – $68,143 |
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 Macon
With approximately 210 professionals employed as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Macon, the job market appears stable. The cost-of-living index in the area is 88.528, which positions Macon's affordability favorably against larger metropolitan hubs. Leading employers in the region, such as residential service companies like Trane and Carrier dealers, typically offer competitive pay, but the opportunity for higher earnings largely hinges on individual performance driven by commission structures. Factors that contribute to wage variation include specialization in commercial systems versus residential installations, on-call premiums, and state licensing requirements. To enhance earning potential, technicians should pursue NATE certification, explore opportunities in high-demand commercial sectors, and enhance their skill set in emerging technologies, such as heat pumps, which are being incentivized through tax credits. Focusing on these areas can significantly boost their financial rewards in a rapidly evolving HVAC market.
More salary data for Macon, GA:
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 $46,531 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Macon 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
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