Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Winston-Salem, NC, earn an average annual salary of $56,380. This figure is slightly below the national average of $62,480, reflecting localized economic factors and demand within the North Carolina market. While not reaching the national benchmark, this salary provides a solid income base in a city with a cost of living that aligns with the national average.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,380 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 17.4% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $74,400.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 680 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, Winston-Salem demonstrates a stable presence in this essential trade. The Location Quotient of 0.97 indicates that the concentration of these professionals is very close to the national average, suggesting a balanced demand and supply dynamic. The rate of 2.485 jobs per 1,000 workers further supports the notion of consistent employment opportunities within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Winston-Salem, NC earns-9.8%below the national average.
$27.1
$1,084
$4,698
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for Winston-Salem's HVAC sector isn't provided, it's reasonable to assume a trend of gradual salary growth over the past four years, mirroring broader economic recovery and increased demand for climate control services. Factors such as rising energy costs, an aging housing stock requiring more maintenance, and new construction projects likely contribute to a steady upward pressure on wages for skilled HVAC professionals.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Winston-Salem, NC
Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Winston-Salem typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions might start closer to the lower percentiles, while seasoned technicians with expertise in complex systems or commercial installations can command salaries significantly higher than the average. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and the value placed on accumulated knowledge and skill.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $37,420 | $18 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,285 | $20.3 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $50,770 | $24.4 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,475 | $33.9 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $74,400 | $35.8 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,380
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,380
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,380 in Winston-Salem, NC, is directly comparable to the national average when considering the local Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's income in Winston-Salem is equivalent to that of someone earning the national average salary in a typical U.S. city. Therefore, the nominal salary translates effectively into real economic value for residents.
Job Market Context
680
Total Jobs
2.485
Per 1K Jobs
0.97
Location Quotient
Winston-Salem, NC has 0.97x 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 0.97 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Winston-Salem suggests a job market that is nearly on par with the national average in terms of professional concentration. This indicates a healthy and competitive environment where opportunities are readily available, but perhaps not overwhelmingly abundant. Employers are likely to find a sufficient pool of qualified candidates, and professionals can expect a stable job market with consistent demand.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Winston-Salem, NC?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Winston-Salem, NC is $56,380. This typically ranges from $37,420 for entry-level positions to $74,400 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Winston-Salem, NC is 9.8% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
Yes, Winston-Salem offers a stable and competitive market for HVAC professionals.The average salary aligns with the national cost of living, and the job market shows a healthy concentration of roles, indicating consistent demand and opportunity.
Is Winston-Salem, NC a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Winston-Salem, NC is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Winston-Salem, NC?
Some top paying nearby cities include Greensboro-High Point, NC ($53,980) and Eastern North Carolina nonmetropolitan area.
How does Winston-Salem's HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for HVAC Mechanics and Installers in Winston-Salem is $56,380, which is slightly lower than the national average of $62,480.
What is the cost of living in Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem, NC has a Cost of Living Index of 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable to the typical U.S. city.
How many HVAC professionals work in Winston-Salem?
There are approximately 680 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers employed in the Winston-Salem area.
Is the HVAC job market in Winston-Salem growing?
While specific growth rates aren't detailed, the Location Quotient of 0.97 and jobs per 1,000 workers suggest a stable and consistent demand for HVAC services in Winston-Salem.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 680 employees in the Winston-Salem, NC area with a job density of 2.485 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 Winston-Salem, NC