Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Ashland, OR: $56,654 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Ashland, OR earns a median $56,654/year (≈ $27.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Ashland's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $55,218 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.2% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, individuals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ashland, OR, can expect a median annual salary of $56,654, which is approximately 5.85% lower than the national median of $60,174. The salary range in this region varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $37,933 and top earners reaching $85,420. These figures represent estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local economic factors. The divergence in pay can often be attributed to a professional's specialization, with those working in commercial and data center environments tending to earn more than their residential service counterparts. This highlights the varying demand dynamics and operational challenges in Ashland's HVAC market.
About the Ashland Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,933 | $18.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,100 | $22.64 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $56,654 | $27.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,755 | $32.58 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $85,420 | $41.07 |
Median Salary Position
5.85% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ashland
In Ashland, OR, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $47,487 (2026 est.). At $56,654, the local median is 5.85% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ashland: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ashland Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Ashland median: $56,654/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ashland Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,761 | -5.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -5.85% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Ashland, OR earn a median of $56,654 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.85% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.20% below the Oregon state average of $59,761.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ashland has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ashland, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $56,654 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $55,218 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$43,585
2025 BLS Actual
$54,569
2026 Current Est.
$56,654
2019–2027 Growth
+35.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ashland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $43,585 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,249 | Actual |
| 2021 | $43,496 | Actual |
| 2022 | $45,965 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,251 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,130 | Actual |
| 2025 | $54,569 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $56,654 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $58,818 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ashland metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $43,585 (2019) to $54,569 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $58,818 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,233 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ashland 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) | $37,933 – $47,100 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,100 – $56,654 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $56,654 – $67,755 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,755 – $85,420 |
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 Ashland
With only six professionals currently employed as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ashland, the job market is relatively limited, which can influence salary negotiations. The cost-of-living index stands at 102.6, indicating that expenses are slightly above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power. Employers in Ashland range from residential service providers like Carrier dealers to commercial HVAC contractors serving industrial buildings and data centers. Specialized roles, especially those involving precision cooling for data centers, tend to command higher salaries due to the technical expertise required. The differences in pay are also influenced by the presence of commission structures in residential service companies, along with the demand for high-efficiency installations linked to the IRA tax credits for heat pumps. To maximize earning potential in this niche, technicians should consider obtaining brand-specific certifications and training on emerging refrigerants and controls, while pursuing opportunities in higher-paying commercial or data center roles.
More salary data for Ashland, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Ashland, OR in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Ashland?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Ashland?
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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 $54,569 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Ashland 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 Ashland 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