These Are The 10 States With The Highest Refrigeration Technician Salaries For 2026

Top 10 States with the Highest Refrigeration Technician Salaries in 2026

For many job seekers, salary remains a top priority when considering career opportunities, especially in specialized fields like refrigeration technology. Understanding how much refrigeration technicians earn in different states can significantly impact your career decisions and financial planning.

While individual salaries can vary based on experience, location, and specific job roles, we have compiled updated information on average salaries for refrigeration technicians across the United States, taking into account the latest data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Our analysis also factors in the cost of living in each state, providing a clearer picture of what you can expect to earn.

After adjusting for cost of living, the state offering the highest salary for refrigeration technicians is indicative of the growing demand for skilled HVAC professionals in various markets.

Here’s a Snapshot of the Top 10 States for Refrigeration Technician Salaries:

Let’s delve into the methodology behind these salary figures and review the complete ranking of all states.

How We Determined Pay by State

To compile this list, we utilized the most recent average annual salary data for refrigeration technicians from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, specifically their ‘Occupational Employment Statistics.’

To ensure accurate salary comparisons across states, we considered the cost of living in each area. We created an index by dividing the average wage for a state by the cost of living relative to the national average. For instance, if California has a cost of living index of 135.9 and an average pay of $54,750, our calculation would be:

$54,750 * (100 / 135.9) = $40,286

We ranked all states based on this adjusted salary index, identifying those with the highest average salaries for refrigeration technicians.

Detailed List Of Refrigeration Technician Salaries By State

Rank	State	Adjusted Salary	Average Wage	Cost Of Living
1	North Dakota	$60,784	$60,420	99.4
2	Illinois	$60,517	$57,250	94.6
3	Iowa	$55,054	$50,100	91.0
4	Kansas	$54,816	$49,280	89.9
5	Washington	$54,201	$57,020	105.2
6	Missouri	$53,617	$48,470	90.4
7	Michigan	$53,528	$47,640	89.0
8	Minnesota	$52,708	$53,130	100.8
9	Colorado	$52,206	$54,190	103.8
10	Utah	$52,150	$48,500	93.0
11	Nevada	$51,994	$53,710	103.3
12	Nebraska	$51,954	$47,590	91.6
13	Delaware	$51,538	$52,260	101.4
14	Wyoming	$50,980	$46,800	91.8
15	Oklahoma	$50,852	$45,360	89.2
16	Wisconsin	$50,464	$48,850	96.8
17	Ohio	$49,722	$46,640	93.8
18	Indiana	$49,229	$44,060	89.5
19	Pennsylvania	$48,964	$49,650	101.4
20	Texas	$48,566	$44,050	90.7
21	Alaska	$48,527	$63,620	131.1
22	Tennessee	$48,411	$43,280	89.4
23	Virginia	$48,174	$48,560	100.8
24	Georgia	$48,096	$43,960	91.4
25	New Jersey	$47,924	$58,420	121.9
26	Montana	$47,500	$47,880	100.8
27	Kentucky	$47,348	$42,850	90.5
28	Louisiana	$47,194	$44,740	94.8
29	Arizona	$46,857	$45,920	98.0
30	North Carolina	$45,047	$42,300	93.9
31	Connecticut	$44,440	$56,750	127.7
32	South Dakota	$44,291	$45,930	103.7
33	Idaho	$44,212	$40,720	92.1
34	Oregon	$44,100	$50,980	115.6
35	Mississippi	$44,062	$37,850	85.9
36	Maryland	$43,689	$54,830	125.5
37	Rhode Island	$43,612	$52,640	120.7
38	Alabama	$43,410	$39,590	91.2
39	New Mexico	$43,222	$41,710	96.5
40	Arkansas	$43,019	$37,470	87.1
41	Massachusetts	$42,811	$57,110	133.4
42	New Hampshire	$42,777	$50,050	117.0
43	New York	$42,480	$55,650	131.0
44	South Carolina	$42,449	$42,110	99.2
45	Maine	$42,003	$46,540	110.8
46	Florida	$41,363	$40,660	98.3
47	Vermont	$40,718	$49,310	121.1
48	West Virginia	$40,331	$37,670	93.4
49	California	$40,286	$54,750	135.9
50	Hawaii	$39,797	$66,820	167.9

As the demand for refrigeration technicians continues to grow, particularly in the wake of technological advancements and an emphasis on energy efficiency, understanding where your skills can earn you the most is essential for career development. For more insights into job opportunities and salary expectations in various states, explore the following resources:

By staying informed about salary trends and job availability, you can make informed decisions that align with your career goals and financial needs.

Never miss an opportunity that’s right for you.

Author

Chris Kolmar

Chris Kolmar is a co-founder of Zippia and the editor-in-chief of the Zippia career advice blog. He has hired over 50 people in his career, been hired five times, and wants to help you land your next job. His research has been featured on the New York Times, Thrillist, VOX, The Atlantic, and a host of local news. More recently, he's been quoted on USA Today, BusinessInsider, and CNBC.

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