Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rio Rancho, NM: $55,544 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Rio Rancho, NM earns a median $55,544/year (≈ $26.70/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Rio Rancho's price level (6% below national, BEA RPP 94.4), that paycheck buys what $58,839 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.9% above the New Mexico state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Earning a median annual salary of $55,544, professionals in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field in Rio Rancho, New Mexico, enjoy a varied compensation landscape with a salary range from $35,206 at the 10th percentile to $86,093 at the 90th percentile. These figures reflect local estimates based on BLS state-level data and regional price parity adjustments. The commission structure in residential service companies significantly impacts overall earnings, with some technicians potentially earning commissions that push their total compensation far beyond the median. The local job market is poised for growth, reflecting increasing demands for technicians equipped with the latest skills and certifications.
About the Rio Rancho Market
Salary estimated from New Mexico average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,206 | $16.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,941 | $20.65 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $55,544 | $26.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $71,096 | $34.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,093 | $41.39 |
Median Salary Position
7.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rio Rancho
In Rio Rancho, NM, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $50,887 (2026 est.). At $55,544, the local median is 7.69% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Rio Rancho: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rio Rancho Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Rio Rancho median: $55,544/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rio Rancho Pays |
|---|---|---|
| New Mexico Average | $53,978 | +2.90% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -7.69% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Rio Rancho, NM earn a median of $55,544 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.69% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.90% above the New Mexico state average of $53,978.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rio Rancho 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.
Rio Rancho, 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 $55,544 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $58,839 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.93% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$42,732
2025 BLS Actual
$53,500
2026 Current Est.
$55,544
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Rio Rancho (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $42,732 | Actual |
| 2020 | $44,363 | Actual |
| 2021 | $42,644 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,064 | Actual |
| 2023 | $50,247 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,468 | Actual |
| 2025 | $53,500 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $55,544 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $57,665 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rio Rancho metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $42,732 (2019) to $53,500 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $57,665 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,933 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rio Rancho 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) | $35,206 – $42,941 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,941 – $55,544 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $55,544 – $71,096 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $71,096 – $86,093 |
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 Rio Rancho
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rio Rancho currently employs 16 individuals in this critical field, a number that indicates stability but also potential for career growth as the industry expands. With a cost-of-living index of 94.4, the purchasing power for workers here is relatively favorable compared to national averages, allowing for a good standard of living. Among local employers, residential service companies, particularly those associated with leading brands like Carrier and Trane, tend to offer the highest pay, especially for technicians willing to participate in commission programs. The pay disparity between entry-level and experienced professionals often arises from factors such as specialized skills in commercial controls or data center HVAC systems, on-call premiums, and industry certifications like NATE. To maximize pay in Rio Rancho, technicians should consider obtaining a state contractor license, pursue further certifications, and explore roles that involve innovative technologies such as heat pumps, which are currently benefiting from significant growth due to tax credits.
More salary data for Rio Rancho, NM:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Rio Rancho, NM
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rio Rancho, NM
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rio Rancho, NM
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Rio Rancho, NM in 2026?
Is Rio Rancho, NM 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 Rio Rancho?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Rio Rancho?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Rio Rancho?
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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 $53,500 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Rio Rancho 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 Rio Rancho 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