Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $48,230. This figure falls notably below the national average of $62,480, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand for specialized HVAC services compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within this nonmetropolitan region significantly influence compensation levels for these essential trades.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $48,230 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $68,740.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 320 professionals, the HVAC sector in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas demonstrates a steady presence. The Location Quotient of 0.87 suggests that this occupation is slightly less concentrated than the national average, indicating a balanced but not oversaturated job market. The presence of 2.232 jobs per 1,000 workers points to consistent, albeit moderate, demand for skilled HVAC technicians in the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area earns-22.8%below the national average.
$23.2
$928
$4,019
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for this nonmetropolitan area is not provided, it is reasonable to assume a general upward trend in salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Economic growth, increased demand for energy-efficient systems, and the ongoing need for maintenance and repair services typically drive salary increases in skilled trades.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
Career progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to 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 the value placed on accumulated knowledge, problem-solving skills, and a proven track record in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $30,710 | $14.8 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $36,173 | $17.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,400 | $22.3 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $60,288 | $29 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $68,740 | $33 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$48,230
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$48,230
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $48,230 in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan area aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal income is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that income locally is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the $48,230 salary offers a comparable standard of living to what $62,480 might provide in a national average cost-of-living area.
Job Market Context
320
Total Jobs
2.232
Per 1K Jobs
0.87
Location Quotient
East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area has 0.87x 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 0.87 indicates that Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are employed in East Tennessee's nonmetropolitan areas at a rate slightly below the national average. This suggests that while the profession is present and necessary, it is not a disproportionately dominant industry within the region's employment landscape. The market is neither overly saturated nor exceptionally scarce, presenting a stable environment for skilled professionals.
Nearby Job Markets
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Comparing salaries near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $48,230. This typically ranges from $30,710 for entry-level positions to $68,740 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 22.8% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, not compared to the national average.The average salary of $48,230 is significantly lower than the national average of $62,480. However, the cost of living is also at the national average, making the purchasing power comparable.
Is East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Nashville-Davidson--Murfreesboro--Franklin, TN ($59,430) and Clarksville, TN-KY.
What is the average salary for an HVAC installer in East Tennessee?
The average annual salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is $48,230.
How does the East Tennessee HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The average salary in East Tennessee ($48,230) is considerably lower than the national average ($62,480) for this profession.
What is the cost of living in East Tennessee nonmetropolitan areas?
The Cost of Living Index for the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area is 100, which is exactly the national average.
How many HVAC jobs are there per 1,000 workers in East Tennessee?
There are approximately 2.232 jobs per 1,000 workers for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 320 employees in the East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 2.232 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 East Tennessee nonmetropolitan area