Lake Forest vs San Francisco: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Lake Forest, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Lake Forest, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $67,504 | $77,414▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $32.45 | $37.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,089 | $48,506▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $53,063 | $61,081▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $85,971 | $100,474▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $104,631 | $127,606▲ |
| Total Employed | 14 | 3,980▲ |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Lake Forest.
The salary gap between Lake Forest and San Francisco is $9,910 (14.68%). San Francisco's median is +28.65% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Lake Forest spans $58,542,San Francisco spans $79,100. San Francisco 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, San Francisco ($66,960 effective) pays 12.19% more than Lake Forest ($59,685 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Lake Forest if…
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,414/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,606)
- ✓Larger job market (3,980 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $66,960)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Lake Forest grew -13.9% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 3.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Lake Forest, CA
$75,508 (2024) → $65,020 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$71,960 (2019) → $74,566 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Lake Forest, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Lake Forest or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Lake Forest and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Lake Forest to San Francisco as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Lake Forest vs San Francisco?
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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