Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Hampton, VA: $58,255 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Hampton, VA earns a median $58,255/year (≈ $28.01/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Hampton's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 103.2), that paycheck buys what $56,449 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.1% below the Virginia state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hampton, Virginia, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $58,255, which is slightly below the national median of $60,174. This salary reflects a range that stretches from $38,980 at the 10th percentile to $90,296 at the 90th percentile, which underscores the varied opportunities within the local job market. The demand for heat pumps, bolstered by recent IRA tax credits, is shifting hiring trends and encouraging new entrants into the field. This vibrant demand is likely to make Hampton an increasingly attractive place for professionals looking to work in HVAC, especially as the need for energy-efficient systems continues to grow.
About the Hampton Market
Salary estimated from Virginia average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,980 | $18.74 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $46,416 | $22.31 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,255 | $28.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $74,567 | $35.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $90,296 | $43.41 |
Median Salary Position
3.19% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Hampton
In Hampton, VA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,316 (2026 est.). At $58,255, the local median is 3.19% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Hampton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Hampton Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Hampton median: $58,255/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Hampton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $58,314 | -0.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -3.19% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Hampton, VA earn a median of $58,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.19% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $58,314.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Hampton has a cost of living 3.20% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Hampton, VA has a cost-of-living index of 103.2 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,255 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,449 — a 3.1% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,818
2025 BLS Actual
$56,112
2026 Current Est.
$58,255
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,818 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,529 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,726 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,264 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,700 | Actual |
| 2024 | $57,728 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,112 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,255 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,481 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Hampton metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,818 (2019) to $56,112 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,481 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,663 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Hampton 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) | $38,980 – $46,416 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $46,416 – $58,255 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,255 – $74,567 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $74,567 – $90,296 |
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 Hampton
A total of 24 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are currently employed in Hampton, VA, underscoring a stable job market for these professionals. The local cost-of-living index stands at 103.2, slightly above the national average, which can impact the purchasing power of residents. Employers in Hampton who typically offer higher pay include commercial HVAC contractors and multi-location franchises like ARS / Rescue Rooter. Variations in salary stem from factors such as specialization in commercial controls versus residential service, commission structures, and brand certifications. To maximize earning potential, technicians should consider obtaining professional certifications like EPA Section 608 and NATE, along with gaining experience in high-demand specialties, particularly in heat pump installation. Taking proactive steps to align skills with emerging market needs can provide significant advantages in this evolving field.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
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 $56,112 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Hampton 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 Hampton 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