Bremerton vs Kennewick: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Bremerton, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Bremerton, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,627 | $74,623▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.40 | $35.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,037▲ | $46,879 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,326▲ | $56,219 |
| 75th Percentile | $87,514 | $92,307▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $95,799 | $107,723▲ |
| Total Employed | 180 | 520▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Bremerton.
The salary gap between Bremerton and Kennewick is $996 (1.35%). Kennewick's median is +24.01% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Bremerton spans $48,762,Kennewick spans $60,844. Kennewick has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($74,564 effective) pays 6.95% more than Bremerton ($69,718 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Bremerton if…
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,623/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($107,723)
- ✓Larger job market (520 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $74,564)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Bremerton grew 32.1% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Bremerton, WA
$53,690 (2019) → $70,918 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$51,290 (2019) → $71,877 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Bremerton, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Bremerton or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Bremerton and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Bremerton to Kennewick as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Bremerton vs Kennewick?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov