Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Kingstown, RI: $54,535 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in South Kingstown, RI earns a median $54,535/year (≈ $26.21/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in South Kingstown's price level (1% above national, BEA RPP 100.5), that paycheck buys what $54,264 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Rhode Island state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In South Kingstown, the projected salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is $54,535 per year, reflecting a notable 9.37% lower than the national median of $60,174. Compensation ranges from $37,205 at the lower end to $83,630 for those at the top of the scale. These figures are based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and adjusted for local economic conditions, emphasizing the impact of the growing demand for heat pump installations driven by the IRA tax credits. This shift in the market is likely to influence hiring patterns, as companies seek skilled technicians who can adapt to emerging technologies and meet the rising needs of homeowners looking to enhance energy efficiency.
About the South Kingstown Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,205 | $17.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $43,866 | $21.09 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,535 | $26.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $68,734 | $33.05 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $83,630 | $40.21 |
Median Salary Position
9.37% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Kingstown
In South Kingstown, RI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $46,425 (2026 est.). At $54,535, the local median is 9.37% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in South Kingstown: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Kingstown Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
South Kingstown median: $54,535/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Kingstown Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Rhode Island Average | $57,465 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -9.37% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in South Kingstown, RI earn a median of $54,535 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.37% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,465.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Kingstown has a cost of living 0.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Kingstown, RI has a cost-of-living index of 100.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $54,535 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $54,264 — a 0.5% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,955
2025 BLS Actual
$52,528
2026 Current Est.
$54,535
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Kingstown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,955 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,557 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,869 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,245 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,334 | Actual |
| 2024 | $59,147 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,528 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,535 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,618 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Kingstown metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $41,955 (2019) to $52,528 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,618 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,663 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Kingstown 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) | $37,205 – $43,866 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $43,866 – $54,535 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,535 – $68,734 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $68,734 – $83,630 |
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 South Kingstown
The job market in South Kingstown currently supports five professionals in this field, indicating a localized yet stable employment scenario. With a cost-of-living index of 100.5, which slightly exceeds the national average, earning potential must be weighed against living expenses to assess take-home purchasing power accurately. In South Kingstown, the highest-paying opportunities are typically found at commercial HVAC contractors, especially those servicing industrial spaces and data centers, where the need for precision and advanced controls can command premium pay. The differences in pay can largely be attributed to the specialty services offered, varying commission structures in residential roles, and the added complexity of licensure and certifications such as EPA Section 608 and NATE. Technicians aiming to optimize their compensation should consider engaging in continuous education centered on heat pump technology, as well as pursuing reputable certifications that can enhance their marketability in this evolving landscape.
More salary data for South Kingstown, RI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in South Kingstown, RI
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Kingstown, RI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Kingstown, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in South Kingstown, RI in 2026?
Is South Kingstown, RI 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 South Kingstown?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in South Kingstown?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in South Kingstown?
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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 $52,528 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the South Kingstown 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 South Kingstown 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