Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers vs Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers: 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?
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers professionals earn $16,480 more per year than Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers professionals — that's 27.6% higher. At the 90th percentile, Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers earns $91,020 compared to $115,280 for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers.
Salary Range Comparison
Detailed Salary Comparison
| Percentile | Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers | Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10th Percentile | $39,130 | $47,640 | $-8,510 |
| 25th Percentile | $47,850 | $58,980 | $-11,130 |
| Median (50th) | $59,810 | $76,290 | $-16,480 |
| 75th Percentile | $74,820 | $97,190 | $-22,370 |
| 90th Percentile | $91,020 | $115,280 | $-24,260 |
| Mean (Average) | $62,690 | $79,320 | $-16,630 |
Employment Numbers
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
396,870
employed nationwide
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
666,990
employed nationwide
Top Paying Cities
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 |
Best Cities for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
| City | Median |
|---|---|
| San Jose-Sunnyvale-Santa Clara, CA | $150,650 |
| San Francisco-Oakland-Berkeley, CA | $133,190 |
| Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA | $115,630 |
| Seattle-Tacoma-Bellevue, WA | $114,200 |
| Sacramento-Roseville-Folsom, CA | $112,630 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who earns more: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers or Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
What is the salary range for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
What is the salary range for Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers?
How many Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers and Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers jobs are there?
Is it worth switching from Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers to Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
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Data verified March 2026 · Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS