Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Decatur, AL, earn an average annual salary of $54,800. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,480. Local economic factors, including the specific demand and cost of doing business within Decatur, likely contribute to this pay differential compared to the broader national landscape.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $54,800 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 16.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,820.
- Outlook: The HVAC job market in Decatur, AL, shows a robust concentration, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.78, significantly above the national average. With 4.584 jobs per 1,000 workers and a local workforce of 270 professionals in this field, there is a clear and sustained demand for skilled HVAC technicians in the area, suggesting a stable and potentially growing job market.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Decatur, AL earns-12.3%below the national average.
$26.4
$1,054
$4,567
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Decatur is not provided, the HVAC industry nationally has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by new construction, an aging infrastructure requiring upgrades, and increasing demand for energy-efficient systems. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Decatur have mirrored this trend, likely seeing incremental increases year over year.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Decatur, AL
Career progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Decatur, AL, typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command salaries well into the higher percentiles, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $36,190 | $17.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $41,100 | $19.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $55,990 | $26.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $68,500 | $32.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $73,820 | $35.5 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$54,800
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$54,800
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $54,800 in Decatur, AL, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in Decatur is comparable to that of their counterparts across the United States, offering a stable financial standing relative to the national cost of goods and services.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
4.584
Per 1K Jobs
1.78
Location Quotient
Decatur, AL has 1.8x 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.
Decatur, AL, exhibits a strong concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, as evidenced by a Location Quotient of 1.78. This indicates that the occupation is more prevalent in Decatur than the national average, suggesting a healthy demand and a potentially competitive job market for skilled professionals in this sector.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Decatur, AL?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Decatur, AL is $54,800. This typically ranges from $36,190 for entry-level positions to $73,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Decatur, AL is 12.3% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Decatur, AL a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, not significantly more lucrative than the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $54,800 is below the national average of $62,480. However, the strong concentration suggests good job availability.
Is Decatur, AL a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Decatur, AL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Decatur, AL?
Some top paying nearby cities include Huntsville, AL ($55,000) and Florence-Muscle Shoals, AL.
How does Decatur's HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for HVAC professionals in Decatur, AL, is $54,800, which is lower than the national average of $62,480.
What is the concentration of HVAC jobs in Decatur, AL?
Decatur, AL has a Location Quotient of 1.78 for HVAC Mechanics and Installers, meaning the occupation is 78% more concentrated than the national average.
How does the cost of living in Decatur affect HVAC salaries?
Decatur's Cost of Living Index is 100, which is the national average. This means the $54,800 salary has average purchasing power compared to the rest of the country.
Is there high demand for HVAC technicians in Decatur?
Yes, the Location Quotient of 1.78 and 4.584 jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a strong local demand for HVAC services and professionals.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the Decatur, AL area with a job density of 4.584 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 Decatur, AL