SalaryNode

Average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary in Birmingham, AL

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Birmingham, AL earn an average annual salary of $54,100. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,480, suggesting localized economic factors and potentially a different demand-supply dynamic at play. The specific economic conditions and industry concentration within Birmingham directly influence compensation levels for these essential skilled trades.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $54,100 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,570.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 1,990 professionals in this field, Birmingham presents a substantial concentration of HVAC talent, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.49. This suggests a higher prevalence of these roles compared to the national average, pointing towards a robust and active job market for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. The demand appears to be solid, with 3.842 jobs per 1,000 workers.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$54,100

The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Birmingham, AL earns-13.4%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$26

Weekly

$1,040

Monthly

$4,508

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Birmingham, AL

Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well above the average. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify opportunities for career advancement and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$36,640$17.6
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,575$19.5
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,970$24
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$67,625$32.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$71,570$34.4

Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$54,100

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$54,100

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average salary of $54,100 in Birmingham, AL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in Birmingham is equivalent to the national average, indicating a balanced economic environment where wages generally match living expenses.

Job Market Context

1,990

Total Jobs

3.842

Per 1K Jobs

1.49

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.49, Birmingham, AL has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers roles compared to the national norm.

Birmingham's Location Quotient of 1.49 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers signifies a market with a higher concentration of these professionals than the national average. This suggests a potentially competitive job market, but also indicates a strong industry presence and established demand for these services within the region.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Birmingham, AL?

The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Birmingham, AL is $54,100. This typically ranges from $36,640 for entry-level positions to $71,570 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Birmingham, AL is 13.4% lower than the national median of $62,480.

Is Birmingham, AL a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?

No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the local cost of living is average, the average salary of $54,100 is below the national average of $62,480. However, the strong concentration of jobs (LQ 1.49) indicates consistent demand.

Is Birmingham, AL a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?

The Cost of Living Index in Birmingham, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Birmingham, AL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Tuscaloosa, AL ($53,340) and Northeast Alabama nonmetropolitan area.

How does Birmingham's HVAC job market compare to the national average?

Birmingham has a higher concentration of HVAC jobs relative to its workforce, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.49, suggesting a more robust local market than the national average.

What is the average salary for an HVAC technician in Birmingham, AL?

The average annual salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Birmingham, AL is $54,100.

Does the cost of living affect HVAC salaries in Birmingham?

The cost of living in Birmingham is at the national average (100), meaning the $54,100 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, despite being lower than the national salary average.

Are there many HVAC jobs in Birmingham?

Yes, with 3.842 jobs per 1,000 workers and a workforce of 1,990, Birmingham shows a significant presence and demand for HVAC professionals.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 1,990 employees in the Birmingham, AL area with a job density of 3.842 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.