Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mitchell, SD: $50,499 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Mitchell, SD earns a median $50,499/year (≈ $24.28/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Mitchell's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $54,417 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.8% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected salary figures for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mitchell, South Dakota, highlight an upward trend influenced by growing demand for heat pump installations, particularly due to the IRA tax credits. In 2026, these professionals are expected to earn a median annual salary of $50,499, with a salary range spanning from $34,403 at the lower end to as high as $73,536 for top earners. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living factors, reflect the economic landscape in Mitchell, where the market for HVAC services is evolving rapidly. The demand for technicians is expected to expand, particularly as homeowners increasingly adopt energy-efficient technologies.
About the Mitchell Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $34,403 | $16.54 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,269 | $19.36 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $50,499 | $24.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,720 | $29.67 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $73,536 | $35.35 |
Median Salary Position
16.08% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mitchell
In Mitchell, SD, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,133 (2026 est.). At $50,499, the local median is 16.08% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Mitchell: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mitchell Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Mitchell median: $50,499/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mitchell Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $53,045 | -4.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -16.08% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Mitchell, SD earn a median of $50,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.08% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.80% below the South Dakota state average of $53,045.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mitchell has a cost of living 7.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mitchell, SD has a cost-of-living index of 92.8 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $50,499 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,417 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,851
2025 BLS Actual
$48,641
2026 Current Est.
$50,499
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mitchell (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,851 | Actual |
| 2020 | $40,334 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,771 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,971 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,683 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,703 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,641 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $50,499 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $52,428 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mitchell metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $38,851 (2019) to $48,641 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $52,428 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,577 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mitchell 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) | $34,403 – $40,269 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,269 – $50,499 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $50,499 – $61,720 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,720 – $73,536 |
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 Mitchell
In the context of Mitchell's job market, the employment of six heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers suggests a tight-knit community of professionals where competition can drive salary variations. The cost of living index is currently at 92.8, indicating that living expenses are below the national average, which can enhance local purchasing power. Employers such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists may offer competitive salaries, especially for those who hold specialized certifications like NATE and EPA 608. The variation in pay is often tied to specific skills in commercial HVAC service, the potential for commissions from residential contracts, and the demand for advanced training in emerging technologies. To effectively maximize earnings, technicians may benefit from pursuing advanced certifications and exploring opportunities with high-volume residential service companies, where performance-related commissions can significantly boost income.
More salary data for Mitchell, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mitchell, SD in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Mitchell?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Mitchell?
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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 $48,641 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Mitchell 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 Mitchell 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