Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA, earn an average annual salary of $58,360. This figure is slightly below the national average of $62,480, indicating localized market dynamics may influence compensation. Factors such as regional demand, the cost of doing business, and the specific skill sets prevalent in the area contribute to this pay differential.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $58,360 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.0% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $78,820.
- Outlook: The Staunton-Stuarts Draft area supports a dedicated workforce of 220 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. With a Location Quotient of 1.68, this profession is significantly more concentrated here than the national average, suggesting a robust and potentially growing demand for these skilled trades within the local economy.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA earns-6.6%below the national average.
$28.1
$1,122
$4,863
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Staunton-Stuarts Draft is not provided, the HVAC industry nationwide has experienced consistent growth over the past four years, driven by an aging infrastructure, increasing demand for energy efficiency, and new construction. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for HVAC professionals in Staunton-Stuarts Draft have mirrored this trend, likely seeing steady increases as demand for climate control services continues.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA
Career progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as technicians gain expertise, certifications, and specialization, their earning potential escalates considerably. The salary distribution across different experience levels, often reflected in percentile data, clearly signifies the value placed on seasoned professionals in this field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,280 | $18.9 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $43,770 | $21 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $57,030 | $27.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $72,950 | $35.1 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $78,820 | $37.9 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$58,360
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$58,360
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $58,360 in Staunton-Stuarts Draft 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 this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a stable financial environment without the added pressure of higher or lower living expenses.
Job Market Context
220
Total Jobs
4.329
Per 1K Jobs
1.68
Location Quotient
Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA 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.
A Location Quotient of 1.68 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Staunton-Stuarts Draft signifies a strong local concentration of this profession. This indicates that the job market here is more specialized and potentially more competitive for new entrants, but also suggests a higher likelihood of finding employment and a stable demand for skilled technicians compared to national averages.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is $58,360. This typically ranges from $39,280 for entry-level positions to $78,820 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is 6.6% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
Yes, with caveats.While the average salary is slightly below the national average, the strong concentration of HVAC professionals (LQ of 1.68) and a cost of living at the national average suggest a stable and potentially rewarding career environment.
Is Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Harrisonburg, VA ($58,140) and Charlottesville, VA.
How does the Staunton-Stuarts Draft HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for HVAC professionals in Staunton-Stuarts Draft is $58,360, which is approximately $4,120 less than the national average of $62,480.
What is the significance of the Location Quotient (LQ) in Staunton-Stuarts Draft?
An LQ of 1.68 indicates that the Staunton-Stuarts Draft area has 68% more HVAC Mechanics and Installers per worker than the national average, suggesting higher local demand and specialization.
How does the cost of living affect the HVAC salary in Staunton-Stuarts Draft?
With a Cost of Living Index of 100, the local expenses are on par with the national average, meaning the $58,360 salary offers standard purchasing power for residents.
What is the total number of HVAC professionals in Staunton-Stuarts Draft?
There are approximately 220 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employed in the Staunton-Stuarts Draft area.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 220 employees in the Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA area with a job density of 4.329 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 Staunton-Stuarts Draft, VA