Riverside vs Santa Ana: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Riverside, CA and Santa Ana, CA. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Riverside, CA | Santa Ana, CA |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $63,418 | $72,848▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $30.49 | $35.02▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,119▲ | $43,959 |
| 25th Percentile | $51,258 | $54,656▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $77,246 | $93,246▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $94,596 | $112,915▲ |
| Total Employed | 4,820▲ | 69 |
Verdict
Santa Ana, CA offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Riverside.
The salary gap between Riverside and Santa Ana is $9,430 (14.87%). Santa Ana's median is +21.06% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Riverside spans $48,477,Santa Ana spans $68,956. Santa Ana 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, Santa Ana ($64,410 effective) pays 8.11% more than Riverside ($59,580 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Riverside if…
- ✓Larger job market (4,820 employed)
- ✓You prefer the California area and lifestyle
Choose Santa Ana if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($72,848/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($112,915)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $64,410)
- ✓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 Riverside grew 43.8% from 2019 to 2025, compared to -13.9% growth in Santa Ana over the same period.
Riverside, CA
$42,480 (2019) → $61,085 (2025)
Santa Ana, CA
$81,487 (2024) → $70,168 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Riverside, CA
Santa Ana, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Riverside or Santa Ana?
What is the hourly rate difference between Riverside and Santa Ana?
Should I relocate from Riverside to Santa Ana as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Riverside vs Santa Ana?
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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