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Average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, earn an impressive average annual salary of $63,990. This figure slightly surpasses the national average of $62,480, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these essential trades within the region. Local demand and the specific economic conditions of Kalamazoo-Portage likely contribute to this competitive pay.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $63,990 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 5.9% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $92,050.
  • Outlook: The Kalamazoo-Portage area demonstrates a robust job market for HVAC professionals, evidenced by a total local workforce of 490 individuals in this field. The Location Quotient of 1.59 signifies that this occupation is more concentrated in Kalamazoo-Portage than the national average, suggesting a strong and potentially growing demand for skilled mechanics and installers in the region.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$63,990

The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI earns+2.4%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$30.8

Weekly

$1,231

Monthly

$5,333

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI

Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kalamazoo-Portage typically scales significantly with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as technicians gain specialized skills, certifications, and years of service, their earning potential increases substantially, reaching higher percentiles for senior and master-level roles. These percentile gaps clearly signify a rewarding career path with ample opportunity for advancement.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$45,450$21.9
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$47,993$23.1
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$60,910$29.3
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$79,988$38.5
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$92,050$44.3

Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$63,990

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$63,990

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $63,990 in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, making it a stable and predictable financial environment for residents and potential relocators.

Job Market Context

490

Total Jobs

4.091

Per 1K Jobs

1.59

Location Quotient

Major Hub

Kalamazoo-Portage, MI 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.

With a Location Quotient of 1.59, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI, presents a market where Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are notably more prevalent than the national average. This indicates a strong concentration of these jobs and potentially a higher demand relative to the general workforce, suggesting a competitive yet opportunity-rich environment for skilled tradespeople.

Nearby Job Markets

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 Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is $63,990. This typically ranges from $45,450 for entry-level positions to $92,050 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 2.4% higher than the national median of $62,480.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?

Yes, Kalamazoo-Portage, MI offers a lucrative environment for HVAC professionals.The average salary of $63,990 exceeds the national average, and with a cost of living at the national benchmark, the earning potential is strong.

Is Kalamazoo-Portage, MI a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?

The Cost of Living Index in Kalamazoo-Portage, MI is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Kalamazoo-Portage, MI?

Some top paying nearby cities include Battle Creek, MI ($57,990) and Elkhart-Goshen, IN.

How does the Kalamazoo-Portage HVAC job market compare to the national average?

The job market in Kalamazoo-Portage is more concentrated for HVAC professionals, with a Location Quotient of 1.59, indicating a higher prevalence of these jobs compared to the national average.

What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers statistic?

The figure of 4.091 jobs per 1,000 workers in Kalamazoo-Portage suggests a healthy presence of HVAC roles within the local employment landscape, reflecting consistent demand.

Does experience significantly impact HVAC salaries in Kalamazoo-Portage?

Yes, experience is a key driver of salary growth for HVAC Mechanics and Installers, with entry-level positions offering lower pay that increases substantially with acquired skills and seniority.

Is it more expensive to live in Kalamazoo-Portage compared to the national average?

No, Kalamazoo-Portage has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 490 employees in the Kalamazoo-Portage, MI area with a job density of 4.091 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.