Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, earn an average annual salary of $52,040. 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, may influence compensation levels in this Florida region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $52,040 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 8.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $71,290.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 510 professionals and a Location Quotient of 1.59, the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin area demonstrates a concentration of HVAC professionals that is 59% higher than the national average. This indicates a robust demand and a significant presence of this trade within the local economy, suggesting a stable job market for skilled technicians.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL earns-16.7%below the national average.
$25
$1,001
$4,337
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin is not provided, it is generally observed that salaries for skilled trades like HVAC installation and repair have seen consistent growth over the past four years, driven by factors such as an aging infrastructure, increased demand for energy-efficient systems, and a shortage of qualified technicians nationwide. This trend likely extends to the Crestview area, reflecting an upward trajectory in earning potential.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level technicians may start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and extensive experience in complex systems can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching the upper percentiles of the earning spectrum, reflecting their increased value and expertise.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,910 | $17.7 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $39,030 | $18.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,240 | $23.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $65,050 | $31.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $71,290 | $34.3 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$52,040
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$52,040
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $52,040 in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, indicating that the cost of essential goods and services is neither a significant advantage nor disadvantage for potential residents.
Job Market Context
510
Total Jobs
4.089
Per 1K Jobs
1.59
Location Quotient
Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL has 1.6x the national concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs — a major employment hub for this role. Job seekers will find significantly more opportunities here than in most other areas.
The Location Quotient of 1.59 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL, signifies a higher concentration of these professionals compared to the national average. This suggests a healthy demand for HVAC services and a potentially competitive job market where skilled individuals are actively sought after, possibly leading to more job opportunities but also requiring professionals to maintain a high level of skill and service.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is $52,040. This typically ranges from $36,910 for entry-level positions to $71,290 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 16.7% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, not more lucrative than the national average.While the local concentration of HVAC professionals is high, the average salary of $52,040 is below the national average of $62,480, indicating less lucrative earning potential in this specific region.
Is Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Pensacola-Ferry Pass-Brent, FL ($52,970) and Panama City-Panama City Beach, FL.
How does the local HVAC job market compare to the national average in terms of concentration?
The Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area has a concentration of HVAC professionals that is 59% higher than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.59.
What is the cost of living in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL compared to the rest of the US?
The cost of living in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL is exactly at the national average, with a Cost of Living Index of 100.
How many HVAC professionals are employed in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area?
There are approximately 510 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employed in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL metropolitan area.
What is the average number of HVAC jobs per 1,000 workers in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL?
There are about 4.089 jobs per 1,000 workers for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 510 employees in the Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL area with a job density of 4.089 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 Crestview-Fort Walton Beach-Destin, FL