SalaryNode

Average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $53,420. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,480, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially a lower demand compared to more urbanized areas. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within Southside Virginia directly influence this salary differential.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $53,420 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 7.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $73,890.
  • Outlook: The HVAC job market in Southside Virginia, while modest in size with a total workforce of 340, shows a healthy concentration. The Location Quotient of 1.28 indicates that this profession is more prevalent here than the national average, suggesting a stable and potentially growing demand for skilled technicians within the region. This concentration points to a robust local market for these essential services.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$53,420

The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area earns-14.5%below the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$25.7

Weekly

$1,027

Monthly

$4,452

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area

Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is typically tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions often start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications or expertise in complex systems can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and skill.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$38,380$18.5
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$40,065$19.3
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$49,990$24
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$66,775$32.1
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$73,890$35.5

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

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$53,420

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$53,420

Adjusted for COL (100)

The nominal average annual salary of $53,420 in Southside Virginia aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national average, making the cost of living a neutral factor in the overall financial picture for these professionals.

Job Market Context

340

Total Jobs

3.284

Per 1K Jobs

1.28

Location Quotient

Above Average

With a location quotient of 1.28, Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers roles compared to the national norm.

With a Location Quotient of 1.28, the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area demonstrates a higher concentration of HVAC Mechanics and Installers compared to the national average. This suggests a more competitive job market where employers may have a slightly larger pool of candidates to choose from, but it also signifies a strong local industry presence and consistent demand for these services.

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 Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area?

The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is $53,420. This typically ranges from $38,380 for entry-level positions to $73,890 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 14.5% lower than the national median of $62,480.

Is Southside Virginia 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 $53,420 is below the national average of $62,480, although the cost of living is on par with the national average.

Is Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?

The Cost of Living Index in Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area?

Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($60,630) and Richmond, VA.

How does the local workforce size affect HVAC job prospects?

A local workforce of 340 suggests a smaller, potentially more intimate job market. While not as large as metropolitan areas, the concentration (LQ of 1.28) indicates a significant presence of HVAC roles relative to the general workforce.

What is a Location Quotient and what does 1.28 mean for HVAC jobs in Southside Virginia?

A Location Quotient of 1.28 means that HVAC Mechanics and Installers are employed in Southside Virginia at a rate 28% higher than the national average. This indicates a stronger local industry presence and demand for these professionals.

How does the cost of living impact the HVAC salary in Southside Virginia?

With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local cost of living is average. This means the $53,420 salary has the same purchasing power as the national average salary, despite being lower in nominal terms.

What are the typical career paths for HVAC technicians in this region?

Career paths often involve starting as an apprentice or junior technician, progressing to a certified installer or mechanic, and potentially moving into senior roles, supervisory positions, or even starting their own HVAC business.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 340 employees in the Southside Virginia nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 3.284 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.