Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Gillette, WY: $51,882 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Gillette, WY earns a median $51,882/year (≈ $24.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Gillette's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 95.8), that paycheck buys what $54,157 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.3% below the Wyoming state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Gillette, Wyoming, can expect to earn a median annual salary of $51,882, which reflects a notable difference compared to the national median of $60,174. The local salary range varies widely from $35,450 at the 10th percentile to $77,534 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the potential for significant earnings based on skill and experience. These figures are drawn from BLS state-level data and take into account regional price adjustments that influence the local job market. In Gillette, the opportunities in the residential service sector, which often incorporate a commission structure and spiffs, can drive overall compensation significantly, making it a competitive landscape for skilled technicians.
About the Gillette Market
Salary estimated from Wyoming average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,450 | $17.05 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $41,611 | $20.01 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $51,882 | $24.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $65,273 | $31.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $77,534 | $37.27 |
Median Salary Position
13.78% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gillette
In Gillette, WY, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,084 (2026 est.). At $51,882, the local median is 13.78% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Gillette: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Gillette Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Gillette median: $51,882/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Gillette Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Wyoming Average | $54,786 | -5.30% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -13.78% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Gillette, WY earn a median of $51,882 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.78% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.30% below the Wyoming state average of $54,786.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Gillette has a cost of living 4.20% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Gillette, WY has a cost-of-living index of 95.8 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $51,882 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,157 in an average-cost city — an effective 4.38% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$39,915
2025 BLS Actual
$49,973
2026 Current Est.
$51,882
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Gillette (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $39,915 | Actual |
| 2020 | $41,438 | Actual |
| 2021 | $39,833 | Actual |
| 2022 | $42,093 | Actual |
| 2023 | $46,934 | Actual |
| 2024 | $56,271 | Actual |
| 2025 | $49,973 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $51,882 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $53,864 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Gillette metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $39,915 (2019) to $49,973 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $53,864 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,949 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gillette 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) | $35,450 – $41,611 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $41,611 – $51,882 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $51,882 – $65,273 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $65,273 – $77,534 |
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 Gillette
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Gillette is relatively small, with only nine professionals currently employed in the area. This factor contributes to a lower cost-of-living index of 95.8, slightly below the national average, which ultimately favors take-home pay. Companies that pay the most in this region include residential service firms like Carrier dealers and franchises such as One Hour Heating & Air, alongside specialized commercial HVAC contractors and data center operations. The wide salary spread among technicians can be attributed to various elements, such as specialization in commercial controls or precision cooling, commission structures in residential service, and the necessity of brand-specific certifications. For those looking to maximize their earnings, pursuing advanced training in specialized areas, licensing, and garnering certifications can be key strategies in enhancing one's marketability and pay within Gillette's competitive environment.
More salary data for Gillette, WY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Gillette?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Gillette?
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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 $49,973 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Gillette 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 Gillette 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