Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Wilmington, NC, earn an average annual salary of $51,490. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,480, suggesting that local market dynamics and potentially lower demand contribute to this pay scale. Understanding these regional differences is crucial for career planning in this essential trade.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $51,490 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 0.9% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $66,420.
- Outlook: Wilmington, NC, supports a local workforce of 660 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. With a Location Quotient of 1.37, indicating a concentration 37% higher than the national average, the demand for these skilled professionals in the area is robust. This suggests a healthy job market with consistent opportunities for qualified individuals.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Wilmington, NC earns-17.6%below the national average.
$24.8
$990
$4,291
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Wilmington is not provided, it is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers have experienced gradual growth over the past four years, mirroring national trends. Factors such as increasing demand for energy-efficient systems and the ongoing need for maintenance and repair services likely contribute to this upward salary trajectory.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Wilmington, NC
Career progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers typically involves a significant salary increase with experience. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with specialized certifications and extensive experience can command significantly higher salaries, often reaching into the upper percentiles. These percentile gaps clearly signify the value of accumulated expertise and skill development in the field.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,540 | $18 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $38,618 | $18.6 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $49,230 | $23.7 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $64,363 | $30.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $66,420 | $31.9 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$51,490
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$51,490
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $51,490 in Wilmington, NC, aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of this income is equivalent to the national average. Therefore, the $51,490 salary offers a standard of living comparable to the national median, without the potential financial strain of a higher cost of living.
Job Market Context
660
Total Jobs
3.516
Per 1K Jobs
1.37
Location Quotient
With a location quotient of 1.37, Wilmington, NC has a slightly higher-than-average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers roles compared to the national norm.
Wilmington, NC, exhibits a strong concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, as evidenced by its Location Quotient of 1.37. This indicates that the job market in Wilmington is more specialized in this trade compared to the national average. While this suggests a potentially competitive environment due to a higher density of professionals, it also points to a sustained demand for these services within the local economy.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Wilmington, NC
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Wilmington, NC?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Wilmington, NC is $51,490. This typically ranges from $37,540 for entry-level positions to $66,420 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Wilmington, NC is 17.6% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Wilmington, NC a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, but it offers average purchasing power.While the average salary of $51,490 is below the national average, Wilmington's Cost of Living Index of 100 means your earnings have average purchasing power.
Is Wilmington, NC a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Wilmington, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Wilmington, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Jacksonville, NC ($50,190) and Myrtle Beach-Conway-North Myrtle Beach, SC.
How does Wilmington's HVAC job market compare to the national average?
Wilmington has a higher concentration of HVAC professionals than the national average, with a Location Quotient of 1.37, suggesting a specialized local market.
What is the total number of HVAC jobs in Wilmington, NC?
There are approximately 660 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employed in Wilmington, NC.
How many HVAC jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Wilmington, NC?
Wilmington, NC, has about 3.516 jobs per 1,000 workers for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
Does experience significantly impact HVAC salaries in Wilmington?
Yes, like most trades, experience is a key factor in salary progression, with senior roles commanding higher pay than entry-level positions.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 660 employees in the Wilmington, NC area with a job density of 3.516 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 Wilmington, NC