Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Camas, WA: $46,060 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Camas, WA job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $46,060 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Camas's local price level (BEA RPP 107.4 — 7% above national), a first-year paycheck buys what $42,886 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($67,565) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting salaries for newcomers to the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field in Camas, Washington, can be expected to sit at around $46,060 in 2026. While this figure represents the lower end of the salary range, it also marks a solid entry point into a profession with a median salary of $67,565 for the area. For new graduates, there is a realistic expectation of progressing through salary tiers, likely moving from the $46,060 entry-level salary towards $54,322 and beyond as they accumulate experience over their initial three to five years. Camas's current job market is favorable for new grads entering this field, particularly with ongoing demand for HVAC services fueled by trends such as the heat pump installation boom and the adoption of newer refrigerants.
About the Camas Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Camas
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Camas
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Camas, WA typically start between $46,060 and $54,322 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $57,511 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $67,565 — 12.28% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Washington of $20,000 represents just 43.42% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($46,060/year) in Camas. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on HVAC Excellence and PAHRA-accredited programs and industry-recognized NATE certification prep. Costs include tuition, tools, EPA 608 certification, and related credentials. Apprenticeship pathways available at lower cost.
HACR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Camas
- 1Research the Camas market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $46,060 to $54,322, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the hvac field — employers in WA often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Camas, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Camas for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Camas's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Compensation Range
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer wage spread in Camas is $57,511 ( 124.86%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $46,060, experienced hygienists can earn up to $103,571.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$33,908
2025 BLS Actual
$44,365
2026 Current Est.
$46,060
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Camas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33,908 | Actual |
| 2020 | $35,348 | Actual |
| 2021 | $38,018 | Actual |
| 2022 | $40,067 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,285 | Actual |
| 2024 | $48,471 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,365 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,060 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $47,819 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Camas, WA grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $33,908 in 2019 to $44,365 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $47,819. New graduates entering the Camas job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Camas metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your hvac Career in Camas
In the city of Camas, employers hiring entry-level candidates commonly include residential service companies like Carrier dealers and ARS, which offer structured training programs alongside commission structures that might significantly enhance early earnings. In contrast, commercial contractors typically seek seasoned professionals for more complex systems, while data center operators often prioritize experience for precision cooling roles. For new entrants looking to improve their pay potential, obtaining credentials such as the EPA Section 608 Universal certification or NATE certification can provide a competitive edge. Early career strategies should consider different avenues; for example, working at residential service companies might yield expedited earning potential through commissions, potentially reaching up to $130,000 in high-volume markets. Yet expect less variability in commercial or industrial settings, which may offer salaries supplemented by overtime. Overall, new grads can anticipate reasonable salary growth within their first few years, reflecting both individual initiative and the dynamic nature of the HVAC sector.
More salary data for Camas, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Camas in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Camas?
Is hvac school worth it in Camas?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Camas?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Washington?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new hvac graduates. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Camas. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Camas is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
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