Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pierre, SD: $49,841 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Pierre, SD earns a median $49,841/year (≈ $23.96/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Pierre's price level (7% below national, BEA RPP 92.8), that paycheck buys what $53,708 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.0% below the South Dakota state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Pierre, South Dakota, is projected to reach a median of $49,841. This figure positions local salaries around 17.17% lower than the national median of $60,174, underscoring distinct regional market dynamics. With an annual salary range from $32,835 at the entry-level to $74,316 for experienced professionals, the local workforce finds itself in a competitive landscape fueled by the growing demand for heat pump installations, driven by the recent IRA tax credit initiatives. These factors are reshaping hiring practices in the area, highlighting the need for both skilled and certified workers to meet increased consumer demand in residential sectors.
About the Pierre Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $32,835 | $15.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $42,014 | $20.20 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $49,841 | $23.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $61,992 | $29.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $74,316 | $35.72 |
Median Salary Position
17.17% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pierre
In Pierre, SD, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,481 (2026 est.). At $49,841, the local median is 17.17% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pierre: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pierre Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Pierre median: $49,841/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pierre Pays |
|---|---|---|
| South Dakota Average | $53,022 | -6.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -17.17% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Pierre, SD earn a median of $49,841 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.17% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.00% below the South Dakota state average of $53,022.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pierre 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.
Pierre, 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 $49,841 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,708 in an average-cost city — an effective 7.76% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$38,344
2025 BLS Actual
$48,007
2026 Current Est.
$49,841
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pierre (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $38,344 | Actual |
| 2020 | $39,808 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,266 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,437 | Actual |
| 2023 | $45,088 | Actual |
| 2024 | $47,081 | Actual |
| 2025 | $48,007 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $49,841 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $51,745 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pierre metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $38,344 (2019) to $48,007 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $51,745 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,401 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pierre 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) | $32,835 – $42,014 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $42,014 – $49,841 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $49,841 – $61,992 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $61,992 – $74,316 |
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 Pierre
The job market in Pierre reflects both challenges and opportunities, with only four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in the area. The favorable cost-of-living index of 92.8 suggests that residents enjoy reasonable purchasing power, which is especially relevant for those venturing into self-employment or commission-based positions. Notably, the highest-paying opportunities often come from commercial HVAC contractors that service industrial buildings, hospitals, and schools, as well as data center operations that specialize in precise cooling solutions. To elevate their earning potential, technicians should consider obtaining brand-specific certifications such as NATE or Carrier Distinguished Dealer, and seek out work in specialized sectors where the pay disparities are most pronounced. Additionally, understanding the commission structures prevalent in residential service companies may lead to substantial income, especially during high-demand periods spurred by the installation boom in heat pumps and electric vehicle-related projects.
More salary data for Pierre, SD:
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 $48,007 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Pierre 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 Pierre 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