Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earn an average annual salary of $46,550. 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, play a significant role in compensation within this region.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $46,550 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 11.0% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $61,370.
- Outlook: The HVAC sector in Fort Smith, AR-OK, demonstrates a healthy concentration with a Location Quotient of 1.69, indicating a presence significantly above the national average. Coupled with a local workforce of 420 professionals in this field, this suggests a robust and established demand for HVAC services within the area, pointing towards a stable job market for skilled technicians.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fort Smith, AR-OK earns-25.5%below the national average.
$22.4
$895
$3,879
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Fort Smith is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers have seen gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. This growth is typically driven by increasing demand for climate control services, technological advancements in HVAC systems, and the ongoing need for maintenance and repair.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Fort Smith, AR-OK
Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fort Smith, AR-OK, 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 to earn significantly more, often reaching into the higher percentiles of the salary range, reflecting their advanced skills and value.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $31,060 | $14.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $34,913 | $16.8 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $46,240 | $22.2 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $58,188 | $28 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $61,370 | $29.5 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$46,550
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$46,550
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $46,550 in Fort Smith, AR-OK, aligns precisely with the national average cost of living, which is indexed at 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in Fort Smith is comparable to that of their counterparts across the nation, offering a balanced financial landscape for residents.
Job Market Context
420
Total Jobs
4.35
Per 1K Jobs
1.69
Location Quotient
Fort Smith, AR-OK has 1.7x 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.
With a Location Quotient of 1.69, Fort Smith, AR-OK, shows a higher concentration of HVAC Mechanics and Installers than the national average. This suggests that the demand for these services is relatively strong in the area, potentially leading to more job opportunities and a competitive market for skilled professionals, though not necessarily indicating an oversupply.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Fort Smith, AR-OK
Hiring Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $46,550. This typically ranges from $31,060 for entry-level positions to $61,370 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 25.5% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, it is not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.While the cost of living is average, the average salary of $46,550 is significantly lower than the national average of $62,480, indicating less earning potential in this specific role within Fort Smith.
Is Fort Smith, AR-OK a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Fort Smith, AR-OK is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Fort Smith, AR-OK?
Some top paying nearby cities include Fayetteville-Springdale-Rogers, AR ($53,310) and Hot Springs, AR.
How does the local job market compare to the national average for HVAC professionals?
Fort Smith, AR-OK has a higher concentration of HVAC Mechanics and Installers than the national average, indicated by a Location Quotient of 1.69, suggesting a robust local demand for these services.
What is the average salary for an HVAC installer in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
The average annual salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fort Smith, AR-OK is $46,550.
Does the cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK affect the HVAC salary?
The cost of living in Fort Smith, AR-OK is at the national average (100), meaning the $46,550 salary has average purchasing power, neither significantly boosted nor diminished by local expenses.
How many HVAC jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Fort Smith, AR-OK?
There are approximately 4.35 HVAC, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs per 1,000 workers in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 420 employees in the Fort Smith, AR-OK area with a job density of 4.35 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
Explore Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salaries by State
Top Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- All Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Production Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Management Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Occupations Salary in Fort Smith, AR-OK
- Browse All Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Fort Smith, AR-OK