Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Los Lunas, NM: $50,156 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Los Lunas, NM earns a median $50,156/year (≈ $24.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Los Lunas's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $53,131 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.1% below the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Los Lunas, NM, is estimated at $50,156. This figure places local earnings notably below the national median of $60,174, reflecting a difference of 16.65%. Salaries in Los Lunas range from $36,396 at the 10th percentile to $73,776 at the 90th percentile, indicating a considerable variation in pay based on experience and specialization. These projections, drawn from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, suggest that the demand for skilled technicians is likely to grow, particularly with the ongoing push for heat pump installations fueled by IRA tax credits. Professionals in this growing market could find increasingly lucrative opportunities as local employers adapt to emerging technologies and shifting consumer preferences.
About the Los Lunas Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,396 | $17.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,614 | $20.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,156 | $24.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,759 | $29.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,776 | $35.46 |
Median Salary Position
16.65% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Los Lunas
In Los Lunas, NM, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,380 (2026 est.). At $50,156, the local median is 16.65% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Los Lunas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Los Lunas Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Los Lunas median: $50,156/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Los Lunas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $53,990 | -7.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -16.65% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Los Lunas, NM earn a median of $50,156 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.65% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.10% below the New Mexico state average of $53,990.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Los Lunas has a cost of living 5.60% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Los Lunas, NM has a cost-of-living index of 94.4 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $50,156 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,131 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,587
2025 BLS Actual
$48,311
2026 Current Est.
$50,156
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Los Lunas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,587 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,060 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,508 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,693 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,373 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,379 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,311 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,156 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,072 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Los Lunas metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $38,587 (2019) to $48,311 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,072 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,485 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Los Lunas 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) | $36,396 – $41,614 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,614 – $50,156 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,156 – $61,759 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,759 – $73,776 |
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 Los Lunas
Evaluating the job market in Los Lunas reveals a modest pool of four HVAC mechanics employed in the area, which underlines the potential for growth in an evolving industry. The cost of living index, sitting at 94.4, indicates that while incomes may trail national averages, purchasing power remains reasonable for residents. Notably, employers in commercial HVAC, industrial settings, or specialized refrigeration roles often offer higher pay compared to residential service companies. The variance in compensation can also stem from factors such as the market demands, specialized certifications like NATE and Carrier Distinguished Dealer status, and commission structures prevalent in residential sales. For those looking to maximize their pay in Los Lunas, aligning with high-demand services like precise data center cooling or acquiring additional credentials can be beneficial strategies. Prospects in this field remain positive, especially as the aging workforce opens paths for new entrants equipped with the right certifications and training.
More salary data for Los Lunas, NM:
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 $48,311 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Los Lunas 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 Los Lunas 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