SalaryByCity

Computer Programmers vs Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: Salary Comparison (2024)

Side-by-side salary comparison using 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data.

Computer Programmers

$98,670

Median annual salary

109,870 employed nationally

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

$59,810

Median annual salary

396,870 employed nationally

Which Career Pays More?

Computer Programmers professionals earn $38,860 more per year than Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers professionals — that's 65.0% higher. At the 90th percentile, Computer Programmers earns $162,090 compared to $91,020 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.

Salary Range Comparison

Computer Programmers$52,190 – $162,090
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers$39,130 – $91,020
$39,130$162,090

Detailed Salary Comparison

PercentileComputer ProgrammersHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and InstallersDifference
10th Percentile$52,190$39,130+$13,060
25th Percentile$71,860$47,850+$24,010
Median (50th)$98,670$59,810+$38,860
75th Percentile$128,960$74,820+$54,140
90th Percentile$162,090$91,020+$71,070
Mean (Average)$103,640$62,690+$40,950

Employment Numbers

Computer Programmers

109,870

employed nationwide

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

396,870

employed nationwide

Top Paying Cities

Best Cities for Computer Programmers

CityMedian
Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA$167,970
San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA$159,250
San Diego-Chula Vista-Carlsbad, CA$133,560
Denver-Aurora-Lakewood, CO$122,580
San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA$122,000

Best Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

CityMedian
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: Computer Programmers or Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
Computer Programmers professionals earn more, with a median salary difference of $38,860 (65.0% higher) as of 2024 BLS data.
What is the salary range for Computer Programmers?
Computer Programmers salaries range from $52,190 (10th percentile) to $162,090 (90th percentile), with a median of $98,670.
What is the salary range for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers salaries range from $39,130 (10th percentile) to $91,020 (90th percentile), with a median of $59,810.
How many Computer Programmers and Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs are there?
There are approximately 109,870 Computer Programmers positions and 396,870 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers positions nationwide according to 2024 BLS data.
Is it worth switching from Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers to Computer Programmers?
Career decisions depend on many factors beyond salary. Computer Programmers has a median salary of $98,670 while Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers earns $59,810. Consider job satisfaction, growth prospects, required education, and work-life balance.

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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS