Interesting statistics on two of the most niche jobs in the HVAC and Plumbing Industries.
Here’s how the earnings compare between an Ammonia Refrigeration Technician and a Medical Gas Plumber (or Medical Gas Installer) based on the most recent U.S. data as of mid-2025:
Ammonia Refrigeration Technician
- Glassdoor (U.S. average as of August 2025):
- Median pay: $89,476 per year ($43/hour)
- Typical range (25th–75th percentile): ~$71,789 – $112,888 annually
- Top earners (90th percentile): Up to ~$138,302/year
Glassdoor
- ZipRecruiter (U.S. average as of August 2025):
- Average: $32.74/hour ($68,105 annually)
- Range: Typically between ~$28.12 and ~$35.34/hour
ZipRecruiter
- ZipRecruiter (Dallas, TX specific):
- Average: $32.39/hour ($67,372 annually)
- Range (25th–75th percentile): ~$28 – $35/hour; top pay up to ~$44/hour
ZipRecruiter
- PayScale (2025 data):
- Average base hourly rate: ~$28.08
- Total compensation (including bonuses, etc.): ~$42,000 – $82,000/year
Payscale
** Bottom line for Ammonia Refrigeration Technicians:** Salaries typically range from $60k to $110k/year, with higher earnings possible depending on experience, location, and employer.
Medical Gas Plumber / Installer
- Glassdoor (U.S., April 2025):
- Median total pay: ~$126,534/year (around $61/hour)
- Range (25th–75th percentile): ~$94,900 – $172,750 annually
- High-end (90th percentile) top out: ~$226,602/year
Glassdoor
- ZipRecruiter (Texas, August 2025):
- Average: $28.31/hour ($58,895/year)
- Range: ~$22 – $32/hour; top earners up to ~$44.79/hour
ZipRecruiter
- com (Medical Gas Technician, Dallas):
- S. average: $99,907/year ($48/hour) as of August 1, 2025
Salary.com - Dallas, TX average: $100,448/year ($48/hour) as of July 1, 2025
com
- S. average: $99,907/year ($48/hour) as of August 1, 2025
- Indeed (Texas job postings):
- Medical gas plumber roles show salary ranges from ~$80k to as high as $200k/year in some listings
Indeed+1
- Medical gas plumber roles show salary ranges from ~$80k to as high as $200k/year in some listings
** Bottom line for Medical Gas Plumbers/Installers:** On average nationally, they tend to earn more—commonly between $100k and $130k/year, with high-tier professionals reaching $170k–$200k+. In contrast, in Texas particularly, the averages trend lower—around $59k/year—but high-paying opportunities do exist.
Role | Typical Salary (U.S. Avg) | Higher-End Potential |
Ammonia Refrigeration Tech | $60k – $110k/year | Up to ~$138k–$140k (90th percentile) |
Medical Gas Plumber/Installer | $100k – $130k/year | Up to $170k–$200k in high-end roles |
In general:
- Nationally, Medical Gas Plumbers hold a clear edge in earning potential over Ammonia Refrigeration Technicians.
- In Texas, the gap can shrink; Medical Gas Plumbers may earn less on average (~$59k/year) than national figures would suggest—but still, top pay opportunities exist that can significantly exceed those of refrigeration techs.
Final Answer
Overall, Medical Gas Plumbers tend to make more money than Ammonia Refrigeration Technicians, especially when considering national averages and upper-tier compensation. That said, regional differences—like in Texas—can impact averages. But even locally, top-paying medical gas roles often outpace refrigeration technician salaries.
