Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Virginia Beach, VA: $58,655 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Virginia Beach, VA earns a median $58,655/year (≈ $28.20/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Virginia Beach's price level (2% below national, BEA RPP 97.9), that paycheck buys what $59,888 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% above the Virginia state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Virginia Beach is projected to reach a median of $58,655, slightly below the national figure of $60,174. This local pay range spans from $38,682 at the 10th percentile to $75,905 at the 90th percentile, highlighting the potential for significant income variation within the profession. Based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, these figures reflect the evolving landscape as demand for heat pump installations grows, buoyed by recent IRA tax credits promoting more energy-efficient systems. This surge in hiring not only impacts salaries and wages but also draws more technicians into the Virginia Beach market, creating new opportunities for those committed to the field.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $38,682 | $18.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $47,224 | $22.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,655 | $28.20 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $69,316 | $33.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $75,905 | $36.49 |
Median Salary Position
2.52% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Virginia Beach
In Virginia Beach, VA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $37,223 (2026 est.). At $58,655, the local median is 2.52% below the national median of $60,174.
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How Virginia Beach Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Virginia Beach median: $58,655/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Virginia Beach Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Virginia Average | $58,305 | +0.60% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | -2.52% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Virginia Beach, VA earn a median of $58,655 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.52% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.60% above the Virginia state average of $58,305.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Virginia Beach has a cost of living 2.06% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Virginia Beach, VA has a cost-of-living index of 97.941 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $58,655 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $59,888 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.1% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,170
2025 BLS Actual
$56,497
2026 Current Est.
$58,655
2019–2027 Growth
+26.4%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Virginia Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,170 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,780 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,310 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,160 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,420 | Actual |
| 2024 | $60,550 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,497 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,655 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,896 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Virginia Beach metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 17.3% from $48,170 (2019) to $56,497 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,896 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,726 (26.42%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Virginia Beach 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) | $38,682 – $47,224 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $47,224 – $58,655 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,655 – $69,316 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $69,316 – $75,905 |
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 Virginia Beach
With approximately 2,840 professionals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the area, Virginia Beach showcases a robust job market for this trade. The cost of living index stands at 97.941, suggesting a favorable environment for purchasing power as salaries tend to stretch further compared to more expensive regions. Among employers, residential service companies often lead in pay, particularly those engaging in high-volume operations, allowing lucrative commission structures that can exceed $80,000 in compensation. However, commercial contractors, including those servicing hospitals and industrial facilities, generally offer stable salaries with less variability. The income disparity results from multiple factors, including specialty skill demands, such as experience in precision cooling or commercial controls. Industry certifications like NATE or state contractor licenses can further enhance earning potential. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Virginia Beach, honing specific technical skills related to emerging refrigerants and engaging in consistent training will be crucial in standing out amidst industry shifts.
More salary data for Virginia Beach, VA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Virginia Beach, VA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Virginia Beach, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Virginia Beach, VA in 2026?
Is Virginia Beach, VA 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 Virginia Beach?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Virginia Beach?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Virginia Beach?
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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 $56,497 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Virginia Beach 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