Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pawtucket, RI: $57,389 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Pawtucket, RI earns a median $57,389/year (≈ $27.60/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Pawtucket's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $57,103 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Pawtucket, Rhode Island, is projected to reach a median annual figure of $57,389. Salary expectations for this occupation range from $36,413 at the lowest end to as high as $88,952 for the top earners. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost considerations, highlight how the local market performs in comparison to the national average salary of $60,174, reflecting a slight deficit of 4.63%. The commission-driven structure in residential service work often incentivizes technicians to push their earnings higher, aligning performance with compensation strategies. Pawtucket's growing demand for skilled HVAC professionals is indicative of its expanding job market, drawing both established practitioners and newcomers eager to enter the field.
About the Pawtucket Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $36,413 | $17.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,114 | $21.21 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,389 | $27.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,092 | $34.66 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $88,952 | $42.76 |
Median Salary Position
4.63% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pawtucket
In Pawtucket, RI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $52,539 (2026 est.). At $57,389, the local median is 4.63% below the national median of $60,174.
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How Pawtucket Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Pawtucket median: $57,389/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pawtucket Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $57,446 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -4.63% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Pawtucket, RI earn a median of $57,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.63% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,446.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pawtucket has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pawtucket, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $57,389 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $57,103 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,151
2025 BLS Actual
$55,277
2026 Current Est.
$57,389
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pawtucket (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,151 | Actual |
| 2020 | $45,836 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,060 | Actual |
| 2022 | $46,561 | Actual |
| 2023 | $51,916 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,242 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,277 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,389 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,581 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pawtucket metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,151 (2019) to $55,277 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,581 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,430 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pawtucket 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) | $36,413 – $44,114 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,114 – $57,389 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,389 – $72,092 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,092 – $88,952 |
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 Pawtucket
The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Pawtucket employs around 16 individuals, offering a variety of roles across residential service companies and commercial contractors. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, techs may find their take-home pay impacted more than in lower-cost areas. High-paying employers include major residential service brands and commercial HVAC specialists, often offering lucrative opportunities for technicians with niche skills, such as data center setups or those certified in advanced HVAC technologies. Variance in salaries can often be attributed to factors like specialty knowledge, commission structures, and certifications that elevate earning potential. To maximize pay in Pawtucket, technicians should focus on gaining HVAC contractor licenses, pursuing brand-specific certifications, and capitalizing on the current demand for heat pump installations driven by recent tax incentives. By honing in on these areas, HVAC professionals can significantly enhance their earnings in this evolving market.
More salary data for Pawtucket, RI:
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 $55,277 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Pawtucket 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 Pawtucket 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