Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Saginaw, MI: $59,237 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Saginaw, MI earns a median $59,237/year (≈ $28.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Saginaw's price level (9% below national, BEA RPP 90.9), that paycheck buys what $65,174 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the Michigan state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Saginaw is projected to reach a median of $59,237. This reflects a competitive pay scale with a salary range spanning from $38,259 at the lowest to $96,913 for top earners. According to projections based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, this figure places Saginaw slightly below the national median of $60,174. The differentiating factor in local compensation largely stems from the divide between commercial and residential sectors; positions in commercial HVAC often provide more stability with salaried roles, while residential services may incorporate commission structures that can significantly enhance earnings. Given the industry dynamics, understanding this salary landscape is crucial for prospective mechanics and installers considering opportunities in Saginaw's job market.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,259 | $18.40 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,085 | $22.63 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $59,237 | $28.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,361 | $37.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,913 | $46.59 |
Median Salary Position
1.56% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Saginaw
In Saginaw, MI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,654 (2026 est.). At $59,237, the local median is 1.56% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Saginaw: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Saginaw Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Saginaw median: $59,237/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Saginaw Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Michigan Average | $59,355 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -1.56% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Saginaw, MI earn a median of $59,237 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.56% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.20% below the Michigan state average of $59,355.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Saginaw has a cost of living 9.11% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Saginaw, MI has a cost-of-living index of 90.891 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $59,237 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $65,174 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.02% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,350
2025 BLS Actual
$57,057
2026 Current Est.
$59,237
2019–2027 Growth
+45.2%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Saginaw (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,350 | Actual |
| 2020 | $42,270 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,120 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,720 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,840 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,080 | Actual |
| 2025 | $57,057 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $59,237 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,499 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Saginaw metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 34.7% from $42,350 (2019) to $57,057 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $61,499 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,149 (45.22%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Saginaw 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) | $38,259 – $47,085 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,085 – $59,237 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $59,237 – $78,361 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,361 – $96,913 |
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 Saginaw
With approximately 210 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in Saginaw, the local job market remains robust. The cost-of-living index in the area is 90.891, suggesting that although salaries might trail the national average, purchasing power is relatively strong, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle. This is particularly pertinent for individuals specializing in commercial HVAC or high-demand areas like data centers, where compensation can be higher than that found in residential services. Employers such as Carrier, Trane, and industrial contractors typically lead in pay, particularly for those who have gained brand-specific certifications like NATE or are involved in specialized tasks like precision cooling. The wage variance is influenced by multiple factors including specialty skills, on-call rotations, and potential commissions for residential roles. For those in Saginaw looking to maximize their earning potential, pursuing advanced certifications and aligning with employers focused on innovative solutions like heat pump installations, bolstered by IRA tax credits, will prove beneficial in this evolving marketplace.
More salary data for Saginaw, MI:
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 $57,057 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Saginaw 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