Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Ottumwa, IA: $56,018 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Ottumwa, IA earns a median $56,018/year (≈ $26.93/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Ottumwa's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.4), that paycheck buys what $61,967 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.0% below the Iowa state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ottumwa, IA, reaches $56,018. This figure reflects local labor dynamics, where salaries range from $40,749 at the lower end to $82,507 for the highest earners. The growing demand for heat pumps driven by federal tax credits is transforming the hiring landscape in this sector, pushing employers to seek qualified technicians. With the focus on energy-efficient solutions, including IRA tax credit incentives, the market is poised for continued growth, attracting professionals to Ottumwa and enhancing job opportunities for those with the right certifications, including EPA Section 608 and NATE.
About the Ottumwa Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,749 | $19.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,550 | $22.38 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,018 | $26.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,044 | $33.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $82,507 | $39.67 |
Median Salary Position
6.91% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ottumwa
In Ottumwa, IA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,758 (2026 est.). At $56,018, the local median is 6.91% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Ottumwa: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ottumwa Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Ottumwa median: $56,018/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ottumwa Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Iowa Average | $60,235 | -7.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -6.91% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $56,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.91% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $60,235.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ottumwa 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.
Ottumwa, 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 $56,018 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,967 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.62% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,097
2025 BLS Actual
$53,957
2026 Current Est.
$56,018
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,097 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,742 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,008 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,449 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,783 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,957 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,018 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,158 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ottumwa metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $43,097 (2019) to $53,957 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,158 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,061 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ottumwa 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) | $40,749 – $46,550 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,550 – $56,018 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,018 – $69,044 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,044 – $82,507 |
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 Ottumwa
In terms of job market strength, there are currently five heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Ottumwa, indicating a competitive environment. The cost-of-living index of 90.4 suggests that while salaries may not outpace national averages, the purchasing power remains relatively stable for local workers. Employers that tend to pay more in the area include commercial HVAC contractors and multi-location residential service companies, where pay can be influenced by a technician's specialization, such as in precision cooling or commercial controls. The significant pay range can often be attributed to factors like commission structures at residential service companies and the need for brand-specific certifications. Those looking to maximize their pay should consider specializing in high-demand areas like heat pump installations or obtaining additional certifications, which can be instrumental in securing more lucrative positions within Ottumwa's evolving HVAC market.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
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 $53,957 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa 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