Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Virginia earn an average annual salary of $61,260. This figure is slightly below the national average of $62,480, suggesting that while demand is present, specific market dynamics or cost structures within the state may influence compensation. Factors such as the concentration of related industries and the overall economic landscape of Virginia contribute to this localized pay rate.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $61,260 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 19.3% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $81,750.
- Outlook: With a substantial local workforce of 13,640 individuals and a Location Quotient of 1.3, Virginia demonstrates a significant concentration of HVAC professionals relative to the national average. This indicates a robust and established job market for these skilled trades, suggesting consistent demand and a healthy ecosystem for both employers and employees within the state.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Virginia earns-2.0%below the national average.
$29.5
$1,178
$5,105
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 Virginia, mirroring national trends, has experienced steady growth over the past four years. This growth is typically driven by an aging infrastructure requiring maintenance and upgrades, new construction, and increasing demand for energy-efficient climate control solutions, likely leading to incremental salary increases for skilled professionals.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Virginia
Career progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Virginia typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, but as technicians gain specialized skills, certifications, and years of experience, they can advance to senior roles commanding higher salaries, with substantial percentile gaps reflecting this career trajectory.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $40,710 | $19.6 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $45,945 | $22.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $60,630 | $29.1 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $76,575 | $36.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $81,750 | $39.3 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$61,260
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$60,414
Adjusted for COL (101.4)
The nominal average salary of $61,260 in Virginia needs to be viewed in the context of its Cost of Living Index of 101.4. This index indicates that the cost of living is just slightly above the national average. Therefore, the reported salary offers a purchasing power that is reasonably aligned with the state's economic environment, though it may not provide a significant surplus for discretionary spending compared to areas with a lower cost of living.
Job Market Context
13,640
Total Jobs
3.355
Per 1K Jobs
1.3
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.30, Virginia has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers roles compared to the national norm.
Virginia's Location Quotient of 1.3 signifies that the state has a higher concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers compared to the national average. This suggests a competitive job market where demand is strong enough to support a larger pool of professionals, potentially offering more job opportunities but also requiring individuals to stand out with specialized skills or experience.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Virginia
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Virginia?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Virginia is $61,260. This typically ranges from $40,710 for entry-level positions to $81,750 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Virginia is 2.0% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Virginia a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
Yes, with caveats.Virginia offers a solid average salary slightly below the national average, coupled with a cost of living just above the national average, indicating reasonable earning potential. The high concentration of HVAC professionals suggests a strong market demand.
Is Virginia a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Virginia?
Some top paying nearby cities include Charlottesville, VA ($60,630) and Richmond, VA.
How does Virginia's HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for HVAC professionals in Virginia is $61,260, which is slightly lower than the national average of $62,480.
What is the concentration of HVAC jobs in Virginia?
Virginia has a Location Quotient of 1.3 for HVAC Mechanics and Installers, indicating a higher concentration of these jobs compared to the national average.
Is the cost of living high in Virginia for HVAC professionals?
The Cost of Living Index in Virginia is 101.4, which is just slightly above the national average of 100, suggesting a moderately priced living environment.
How many HVAC jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Virginia?
There are approximately 3.355 HVAC jobs per 1,000 workers in Virginia, reflecting a notable presence of this profession within the state's workforce.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 13,640 employees in the Virginia area with a job density of 3.355 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 Virginia