Federal Way vs Kennewick: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Federal Way, WA and Kennewick, WA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Federal Way, WA | Kennewick, WA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $70,558 | $74,623▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $33.92 | $35.88▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,344 | $46,879▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $55,561 | $56,219▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $89,852 | $92,307▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $109,365▲ | $107,723 |
| Total Employed | 22 | 520▲ |
Verdict
Kennewick, WA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Federal Way.
The salary gap between Federal Way and Kennewick is $4,065 (5.76%). 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 Federal Way spans $63,021,Kennewick spans $60,844. Federal Way has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Kennewick ($74,564 effective) pays 13.50% more than Federal Way ($65,696 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Federal Way if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($109,365)
- ✓You prefer the Washington area and lifestyle
Choose Kennewick if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,623/year)
- ✓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 Federal Way grew -8.8% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 40.1% growth in Kennewick over the same period.
Federal Way, WA
$74,501 (2024) → $67,962 (2025)
Kennewick, WA
$51,290 (2019) → $71,877 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Federal Way, WA
Kennewick, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Federal Way or Kennewick?
What is the hourly rate difference between Federal Way and Kennewick?
Should I relocate from Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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