Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area earn an average annual salary of $57,150. This figure is slightly below the national average of $62,480, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially regional demand influence compensation. While the cost of living is on par with the national average, this salary differential warrants a closer look at the local job market.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $57,150 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.1% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $75,470.
- Outlook: The Durham-Chapel Hill area supports a local workforce of 740 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. With a Location Quotient of 0.84, the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average, indicating a stable but not exceptionally high demand relative to other occupations. The presence of a substantial workforce suggests a consistent need for these services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC earns-8.5%below the national average.
$27.5
$1,099
$4,763
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 Durham-Chapel Hill have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by factors such as inflation, increasing demand for climate control systems, and the need for skilled tradespeople to maintain and repair existing infrastructure.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is strongly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically command lower salaries, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and a proven track record can expect significantly higher earnings. The percentile gaps between junior and senior roles reflect the value placed on expertise and the ability to handle complex installations and repairs.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $41,760 | $20.1 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,863 | $20.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $56,380 | $27.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $71,438 | $34.3 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $75,470 | $36.3 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$57,150
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$57,150
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $57,150 in Durham-Chapel Hill aligns perfectly with the national Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in this region is equivalent to the national average. While the nominal salary is below the national average for the profession, the stable cost of living ensures that the take-home pay maintains its relative value.
Job Market Context
740
Total Jobs
2.149
Per 1K Jobs
0.84
Location Quotient
Durham-Chapel Hill, NC has 0.84x the national average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.
A Location Quotient of 0.84 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Durham-Chapel Hill indicates that this profession is slightly less concentrated than the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a steady presence of these skilled workers to meet regional demands. It implies a balanced job market where opportunities likely exist without intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is $57,150. This typically ranges from $41,760 for entry-level positions to $75,470 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 8.5% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $57,150 is below the national average of $62,480, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.
Is Durham-Chapel Hill, NC a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Durham-Chapel Hill, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Durham-Chapel Hill, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Raleigh-Cary, NC ($56,370) and Burlington, NC.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 740 HVAC professionals indicates a substantial and established presence, suggesting consistent demand for services within the Durham-Chapel Hill area.
What does a Location Quotient of 0.84 mean for HVAC jobs?
A Location Quotient of 0.84 signifies that the concentration of HVAC mechanics and installers is slightly lower than the national average, implying a potentially less competitive job market.
How does the Cost of Living Index impact the $57,150 salary?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the $57,150 salary in Durham-Chapel Hill offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average, making the salary's value stable.
Are there many HVAC jobs per 1,000 workers in Durham-Chapel Hill?
With 2.149 jobs per 1,000 workers, the rate is moderate, reflecting a steady demand for HVAC services within the local economy.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 740 employees in the Durham-Chapel Hill, NC area with a job density of 2.149 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 Durham-Chapel Hill, NC