Fast Food and Counter Workers 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 $29,330 more per year than Fast Food and Counter Workers professionals — that's 96.2% higher. At the 90th percentile, Fast Food and Counter Workers earns $38,800 compared to $91,020 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Fast Food and Counter Workers | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $22,620 | $39,130 | $-16,510 |
| 25th Percentile | $27,150 | $47,850 | $-20,700 |
| Median (50th) | $30,480 | $59,810 | $-29,330 |
| 75th Percentile | $35,440 | $74,820 | $-39,380 |
| 90th Percentile | $38,800 | $91,020 | $-52,220 |
| Mean (Average) | $31,350 | $62,690 | $-31,340 |
Employment Numbers
Fast Food and Counter Workers
3,780,930
employed nationwide
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
396,870
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
Best Cities for Fast Food and Counter Workers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $42,660 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $40,470 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $38,310 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $37,650 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $36,480 |
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: Fast Food and Counter Workers or Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
What is the salary range for Fast Food and Counter Workers?
What is the salary range for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
How many Fast Food and Counter Workers 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 Fast Food and Counter Workers?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS