Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics vs Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: Salary Comparison (2024)
Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Median annual salary
396,870 employed nationally
Which Career Pays More?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers professionals earn $10,140 more per year than Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics professionals — that's 20.4% higher. At the 90th percentile, Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics earns $80,850 compared to $91,020 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $33,660 | $39,130 | $-5,470 |
| 25th Percentile | $38,140 | $47,850 | $-9,710 |
| Median (50th) | $49,670 | $59,810 | $-10,140 |
| 75th Percentile | $65,660 | $74,820 | $-9,160 |
| 90th Percentile | $80,850 | $91,020 | $-10,170 |
| Mean (Average) | $55,260 | $62,690 | $-7,430 |
Employment Numbers
Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
688,840
employed nationwide
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
396,870
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $77,260 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $74,590 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $64,930 |
| Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA | $63,590 |
| Washington-Arlington-Alexandria, DC-VA-MD-WV | $62,970 |
Best Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $83,980 |
| Boston-Cambridge-Nashua, MA-NH | $77,600 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $76,760 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington, MN-WI | $76,090 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $75,500 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics or Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
What is the salary range for Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
What is the salary range for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
How many Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics and Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers to Automotive Service Technicians and Mechanics?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS