Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Shelbyville, IN: $56,552 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Shelbyville, IN earns a median $56,552/year (≈ $27.19/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Shelbyville's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 91.3), that paycheck buys what $61,941 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the Indiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Shelbyville, Indiana, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $56,552 for the year 2026. This figure represents a competitive pay structure in a market where salaries typically range from $38,581 at the entry-level to $80,470 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost conditions, illustrate the financial landscape for professionals in this field. While this salary is slightly lower than the national median of $60,174, it reflects the specific economic conditions and demand for HVAC skills in Shelbyville. The local job market offers growth opportunities, particularly as the industry shifts with technological advancements such as heat pumps and more stringent energy efficiency standards.
About the Shelbyville Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,581 | $18.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,134 | $21.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,552 | $27.19 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,955 | $32.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,470 | $38.68 |
Median Salary Position
6.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Shelbyville
In Shelbyville, IN, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,889 (2026 est.). At $56,552, the local median is 6.02% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Shelbyville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Shelbyville Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Shelbyville median: $56,552/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Shelbyville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Indiana Average | $59,403 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -6.02% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Shelbyville, IN earn a median of $56,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.02% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.80% below the Indiana state average of $59,403.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Shelbyville has a cost of living 8.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Shelbyville, IN has a cost-of-living index of 91.3 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $56,552 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,941 in an average-cost city — an effective 9.53% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,507
2025 BLS Actual
$54,471
2026 Current Est.
$56,552
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Shelbyville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,507 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,168 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,418 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,882 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,159 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,697 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,471 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,552 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,712 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Shelbyville metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $43,507 (2019) to $54,471 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,712 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,205 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Shelbyville 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) | $38,581 – $45,134 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,134 – $56,552 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,552 – $67,955 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,955 – $80,470 |
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 Shelbyville
Evaluating the local employment scene reveals that only five mechanics and installers are actively working in Shelbyville, which may limit job competition and enhance opportunities for those entering the field. With a cost-of-living index of 91.3, residents enjoy relatively lower expenses, allowing for better take-home purchasing power. Employers known for offering higher wages include residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors dealing with industrial settings, such as One Hour Heating & Air and ARS / Rescue Rooter. The pay disparity in Shelbyville largely stems from the specialization required in fields like data center precision cooling or commercial controls, which command a premium. Maximizing income potential in this market can be achieved through securing certifications like NATE, gaining experience with high-demand technologies, and understanding the commission structures prevalent in residential services.
More salary data for Shelbyville, IN:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Shelbyville, IN
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Shelbyville, IN
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Shelbyville, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Shelbyville, IN in 2026?
Is Shelbyville, IN a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Shelbyville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Shelbyville?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Shelbyville?
Related Pages
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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 $54,471 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Shelbyville 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 Shelbyville 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