Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Athens-Clarke County, GA, earn an average annual salary of $49,540. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,480, suggesting that local market dynamics, such as demand and the cost of doing business, play a significant role in compensation levels within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $49,540 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 6.2% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $63,820.
- Outlook: The HVAC job market in Athens-Clarke County, GA, appears stable with a total local workforce of 280 professionals. The Location Quotient of 1.14 indicates a slightly higher concentration of these roles compared to the national average, suggesting a consistent, albeit not booming, demand for skilled HVAC technicians in the area.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Athens-Clarke County, GA earns-20.7%below the national average.
$23.8
$953
$4,128
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Athens-Clarke County have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends of increasing wages driven by inflation and sustained demand for essential climate control services.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Athens-Clarke County, GA
Career progression for HVAC professionals in Athens-Clarke County, GA, typically involves a salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while senior technicians with specialized skills and extensive experience can command salaries significantly higher than the average, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $35,420 | $17 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $37,155 | $17.9 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $48,180 | $23.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $61,925 | $29.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $63,820 | $30.7 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$49,540
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$49,540
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $49,540 in Athens-Clarke County, GA, aligns perfectly with the national average cost of living, indicated by an index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average, offering a stable financial environment without the premium often associated with higher cost-of-living areas.
Job Market Context
280
Total Jobs
2.936
Per 1K Jobs
1.14
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.14, Athens-Clarke County, GA has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers roles compared to the national norm.
With a Location Quotient of 1.14, Athens-Clarke County, GA, shows a slightly higher concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers than the national average. This suggests a healthy, competitive market where demand is present and slightly exceeds the national proportion, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near Athens-Clarke County, GA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Athens-Clarke County, GA is $49,540. This typically ranges from $35,420 for entry-level positions to $63,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 20.7% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, but it offers stable purchasing power.While the average salary of $49,540 is below the national average, the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning your earnings have equivalent purchasing power. The market shows a slightly higher concentration of jobs than the national average.
Is Athens-Clarke County, GA a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Athens-Clarke County, GA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Athens-Clarke County, GA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Gainesville, GA ($53,440) and Atlanta-Sandy Springs-Roswell, GA.
How does the Athens-Clarke County HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for HVAC professionals in Athens-Clarke County, GA, is $49,540, which is lower than the national average of $62,480.
What is the cost of living in Athens-Clarke County, GA for HVAC professionals?
The cost of living in Athens-Clarke County, GA, is exactly at the national average, with an index of 100, meaning your salary's purchasing power is comparable to the national standard.
How concentrated is the HVAC job market in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
The job market is slightly more concentrated than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.14, indicating a healthy presence of HVAC roles.
What is the total number of HVAC professionals in Athens-Clarke County, GA?
There are approximately 280 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employed in Athens-Clarke County, GA.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 280 employees in the Athens-Clarke County, GA area with a job density of 2.936 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Athens-Clarke County, GA