Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Burlington, VT: $67,835 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in South Burlington, VT earns a median $67,835/year (≈ $32.61/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in South Burlington's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.5), that paycheck buys what $65,541 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.7% above the Vermont state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in South Burlington, VT, is projected to reach a median of $67,835, significantly above the national figure of $60,174. Earnings for technicians in the area range from $45,040 at the lower end to $101,861 for the top earners. These figures are adjusted based on local cost of living metrics, with South Burlington's cost index sitting at 103.5, indicating that living expenses slightly exceed the national average. The structure within this market also highlights a noteworthy divide, where commercial and data center technicians tend to earn more steady salaries compared to their residential counterparts, who often rely on commissions and bonuses.
About the South Burlington Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,040 | $21.66 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $53,454 | $25.70 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,835 | $32.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $84,816 | $40.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,861 | $48.97 |
Median Salary Position
12.73% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in South Burlington
In South Burlington, VT, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $56,821 (2026 est.). At $67,835, the local median is 12.73% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in South Burlington: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How South Burlington Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
South Burlington median: $67,835/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | South Burlington Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Vermont Average | $59,141 | +14.70% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +12.73% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in South Burlington, VT earn a median of $67,835 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.73% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 14.70% above the Vermont state average of $59,141.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
South Burlington has a cost of living 3.50% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
South Burlington, VT has a cost-of-living index of 103.5 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,835 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,541 — a 3.38% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,188
2025 BLS Actual
$65,339
2026 Current Est.
$67,835
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Burlington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,188 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,180 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,081 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,036 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,366 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,715 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,339 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,835 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,426 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the South Burlington metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $52,188 (2019) to $65,339 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,426 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,238 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the South Burlington 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) | $45,040 – $53,454 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $53,454 – $67,835 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,835 – $84,816 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $84,816 – $101,861 |
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 Burlington
In South Burlington, the job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers shows some signs of stability, with four professionals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living reflects that salaries need to stretch further due to local expenses. Employers paying the most typically fall within commercial HVAC operations or specialized refrigeration companies, while those in residential service might see wide variations in earnings due to commission structures. A technician’s pay can hugely vary based on their specialization, such as those experienced in data center precision cooling, which commands higher rates due to the technical expertise required. Transitioning to new refrigerants and the growing demand for heat pump installations driven by tax credits can further enhance earning potential. For those wanting to maximize their salary, focusing on obtaining brand-specific certifications like NATE or becoming a licensed contractor may yield better job offers in this evolving market.
More salary data for South Burlington, VT:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in South Burlington, VT
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Burlington, VT
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in South Burlington, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in South Burlington, VT in 2026?
Is South Burlington, VT 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 Burlington?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in South Burlington?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in South Burlington?
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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 $65,339 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the South Burlington 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 Burlington 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