Compare states using published wages for the broader HVAC and refrigeration occupation, then check local openings, housing costs, travel, and licensing for the role you want.
Top 10 statewide medians
Ranked by the May 2025 BLS median hourly wage for SOC 49-9021. This includes HVAC and refrigeration mechanics and installers, not refrigeration specialists alone. Employment counts workers, not job openings.
On a phone, swipe the table to see the range, worker estimate, and source.
| Rank | State | Median/hour | 25th–75th/hour | Estimated workers | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Alaska | $37.23 | $28.22–$49.12 | 610 | BLS source |
| 2 | Illinois | $37.21 | $28.94–$46.17 | 9,740 | BLS source |
| 3 | Massachusetts | $37.16 | $29.36–$45.71 | 8,200 | BLS source |
| 4 | Connecticut | $36.83 | $29.02–$41.66 | 3,800 | BLS source |
| 5 | Minnesota | $36.71 | $28.30–$41.92 | 4,200 | BLS source |
| 6 | Washington | $36.38 | $28.93–$45.18 | 7,370 | BLS source |
| 7 | North Dakota | $35.81 | $27.29–$37.94 | 970 | BLS source |
| 8 | New Jersey | $35.79 | $27.26–$46.59 | 10,330 | BLS source |
| 9 | New York | $35.78 | $28.71–$42.37 | 24,430 | BLS source |
| 10 | New Hampshire | $35.51 | $28.63–$38.51 | 2,560 | BLS source |
What the table cannot decide
Your specialty
A supermarket rack service call, industrial engine room, installation project, and residential HVAC job may carry different duties and pay even in the same state.
Your take-home terms
Compare local costs, guaranteed hours, overtime, on-call premiums, vehicle use, travel time, benefits, and credential requirements in a written offer.