Los Angeles vs San Francisco: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Los Angeles, CA and San Francisco, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Los Angeles, CA | San Francisco, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $72,818 | $77,414▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.01 | $37.21▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,952 | $48,506▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $57,422 | $61,081▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $82,346 | $100,474▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $107,516 | $127,606▲ |
| Total Employed | 10,720▲ | 3,980 |
Verdict
San Francisco, CA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Los Angeles.
The salary gap between Los Angeles and San Francisco is $4,596 (6.31%). 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 Los Angeles spans $61,564,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 4.43% more than Los Angeles ($64,120 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Los Angeles if…
- ✓Larger job market (10,720 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose San Francisco if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,414/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($127,606)
- ✓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 Los Angeles grew 21.4% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 3.6% growth in San Francisco over the same period.
Los Angeles, CA
$57,760 (2019) → $70,139 (2025)
San Francisco, CA
$71,960 (2019) → $74,566 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Los Angeles, CA
San Francisco, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Los Angeles or San Francisco?
What is the hourly rate difference between Los Angeles and San Francisco?
Should I relocate from Los Angeles 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 Los Angeles vs San Francisco?
Related Comparisons
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