Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Burlington, IA: $57,811 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Burlington, IA earns a median $57,811/year (≈ $27.79/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Burlington's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $63,950 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burlington, Iowa, the anticipated median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $57,811 in 2026. This figure represents a slight decrease compared to the national median of $60,174, highlighting differences in market dynamics. Local salaries range from $39,999 at the 10th percentile to $85,140 at the 90th percentile, allowing for a diverse range of earning potential depending on skill level and type of employment. The compensation landscape is influenced by the divide between commercial and residential HVAC servicing, with commercial roles—especially in data centers—often yielding higher salaries due to specialized requirements and certification demands. Only four individuals are employed in this sector in Burlington, which reflects the area’s relatively small job market for this trade.
About the Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,999 | $19.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,728 | $22.47 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,811 | $27.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,250 | $34.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,140 | $40.94 |
Median Salary Position
3.93% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burlington
In Burlington, IA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $45,141 (2026 est.). At $57,811, the local median is 3.93% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Burlington Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Burlington median: $57,811/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $60,220 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -3.93% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Burlington, IA earn a median of $57,811 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.93% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.00% below the Iowa state average of $60,220.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burlington has a cost of living 9.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burlington, IA has a cost-of-living index of 90.4 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $57,811 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $63,950 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,476
2025 BLS Actual
$55,684
2026 Current Est.
$57,811
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,476 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,174 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,385 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,904 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,298 | Actual |
| 2024 | $50,345 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,684 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,811 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,020 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burlington metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,476 (2019) to $55,684 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,020 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,544 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burlington 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) | $39,999 – $46,728 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,728 – $57,811 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,811 – $71,250 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,250 – $85,140 |
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 Burlington
The local job market dynamics play a significant role in shaping the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Burlington, IA. With a cost-of-living index of 90.4, workers will find that their purchasing power is enhanced compared to many other regions. While residential services might offer variable pay structures, such as commissions that can push total earnings higher, commercial contractors typically provide more stable salaried positions with less variability. In Burlington, commercial HVAC contractors, particularly those servicing large data centers or industrial facilities, often pay the most. Specialty skills—including installation of heat pumps driven by current IRA tax credits—can further boost one's earning potential. For those seeking to maximize pay, acquiring industry certifications like NATE or focusing on high-demand services will be advantageous as the market evolves.
More salary data for Burlington, IA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Burlington, IA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Burlington, IA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Burlington, IA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Burlington, IA in 2026?
Is Burlington, IA 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 Burlington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Burlington?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Burlington?
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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 $55,684 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Burlington 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 Burlington 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