Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in San Antonio, TX: $57,787 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in San Antonio, TX earns a median $57,787/year (≈ $27.78/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in San Antonio's price level (5% below national, BEA RPP 94.7), that paycheck buys what $61,011 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.5% above the Texas state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in San Antonio, TX, is $57,787, slightly below the national median of $60,174. Salaries in this sector show a range from $37,440 at the lower end (10th percentile) to $81,270 for those at the top (90th percentile), reflecting the varied nature of work and skill levels. These figures, derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS surveys, indicate that many technicians might find opportunities for significant variable compensation through spiffs and sales incentives, especially within residential service companies. As San Antonio continues to grow, the demand for qualified HVAC professionals is expected to rise, which may further influence salary structures and job opportunities in the area.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,440 | $18.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,912 | $22.07 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $57,787 | $27.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,996 | $35.09 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $81,270 | $39.08 |
Median Salary Position
3.97% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in San Antonio
In San Antonio, TX, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $43,830 (2026 est.). At $57,787, the local median is 3.97% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in San Antonio: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How San Antonio Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
San Antonio median: $57,787/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | San Antonio Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Texas Average | $49,181 | +17.50% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -3.97% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in San Antonio, TX earn a median of $57,787 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.97% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 17.50% above the Texas state average of $49,181.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
San Antonio has a cost of living 5.28% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
San Antonio, TX has a cost-of-living index of 94.716 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $57,787 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $61,011 in an average-cost city — an effective 5.58% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,160
2025 BLS Actual
$55,661
2026 Current Est.
$57,787
2019–2027 Growth
+19.6%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in San Antonio (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,160 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,240 | Actual |
| 2021 | $47,760 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,750 | Actual |
| 2023 | $48,500 | Actual |
| 2024 | $53,770 | Actual |
| 2025 | $55,661 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $57,787 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $59,995 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the San Antonio metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 11.0% from $50,160 (2019) to $55,661 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $59,995 by 2027 — a total increase of $9,835 (19.61%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the San Antonio 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) | $37,440 – $45,912 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,912 – $57,787 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $57,787 – $72,996 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,996 – $81,270 |
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 San Antonio
With approximately 3,160 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in San Antonio, the local job market remains robust. The cost of living index for the area stands at 94.716, indicating a more affordable environment compared to the national average, which enhances purchasing power for residents. Among the various employers in San Antonio, residential service companies like Carrier dealers, Trane Comfort Specialists, and multi-location franchises tend to offer higher salaries, particularly for those who excel in performance-based compensation structures. Additionally, commercial HVAC contractors and specialized companies catering to data centers or refrigeration also present lucrative options, especially for technicians with advanced theoretical knowledge and certifications. To maximize earning potential in this competitive market, professionals should focus on obtaining brand-specific certifications, engaging in ongoing training related to emerging technologies, and developing strong relationships with employers who prioritize specialized services, such as precision cooling and energy-efficient systems.
More salary data for San Antonio, TX:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in San Antonio, TX
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in San Antonio, TX
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in San Antonio, TX
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in San Antonio, TX in 2026?
Is San Antonio, TX 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 San Antonio?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in San Antonio?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in San Antonio?
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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 $55,661 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the San Antonio 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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