Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Salem, OR, command an impressive average annual salary of $68,170. This figure notably surpasses the national average of $62,480, suggesting that local market dynamics and demand contribute to a more favorable compensation landscape for these skilled tradespeople in the Oregon capital.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $68,170 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 31.5% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $90,950.
- Outlook: With a total local workforce of 370 individuals in this specialized field, Salem, OR, presents a stable, albeit not exceptionally concentrated, job market. The location quotient of 0.76 indicates a slightly lower concentration of these professionals compared to the national average, implying a steady demand that aligns with the existing workforce size, ensuring consistent opportunities for skilled technicians.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Salem, OR earns+9.1%above the national average.
$32.8
$1,311
$5,681
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 the HVAC industry in Salem, OR, has mirrored national trends, experiencing steady growth over the past four years. This growth is likely driven by an aging infrastructure, increasing demand for energy-efficient systems, and the ongoing need for maintenance and repair services, which generally translates to upward pressure on salaries.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Salem, OR
Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Salem, OR, typically scales significantly 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 upper percentiles, reflecting a clear career trajectory and the value placed on expertise within the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $46,520 | $22.4 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $51,128 | $24.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $66,240 | $31.8 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $85,213 | $41 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $90,950 | $43.7 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$68,170
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$68,170
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $68,170 in Salem, OR, 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 income in Salem is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial footing without the immediate pressures of a significantly higher or lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
370
Total Jobs
1.961
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
Salem, OR has 0.76x 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 0.76 suggests that while Salem, OR, has a solid presence of HVAC professionals, the field is not overly saturated compared to national benchmarks. This indicates a healthy balance between supply and demand, positioning the market as moderately competitive, with ample opportunities for skilled individuals to find employment without facing intense competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Salem, OR
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 Salem, OR?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Salem, OR is $68,170. This typically ranges from $46,520 for entry-level positions to $90,950 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Salem, OR is 9.1% higher than the national median of $62,480.
Is Salem, OR a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
Yes, Salem, OR offers lucrative opportunities for HVAC professionals.The average salary of $68,170 is above the national average, and the cost of living is right at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.
Is Salem, OR a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Salem, OR is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Salem, OR?
Some top paying nearby cities include Albany, OR ($63,900) and Corvallis, OR.
How does Salem's HVAC salary compare to the national average?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Salem, OR, earn an average of $68,170 annually, which is higher than the national average of $62,480.
What is the concentration of HVAC jobs in Salem, OR?
Salem, OR has a location quotient of 0.76 for HVAC Mechanics and Installers, meaning the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average.
How does the cost of living in Salem, OR affect HVAC salaries?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the national average, the $68,170 salary in Salem provides purchasing power equivalent to the national standard, making it a financially stable location.
What is the total number of HVAC professionals in Salem, OR?
There are approximately 370 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employed in Salem, OR.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 370 employees in the Salem, OR area with a job density of 1.961 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 Salem, OR
- All Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Office and Administrative Support Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Transportation and Material Moving Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Business and Financial Operations Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Sales and Related Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Healthcare Practitioners and Technical Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Management Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Educational Instruction and Library Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Healthcare Support Occupations Salary in Salem, OR
- Browse All Jobs in Salem, OR →
Semantic Salary Analysis for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Salem, OR