Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Carson, CA: $32.39 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Carson, CA runs $32.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,383 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Carson's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,425 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carson, California, the hourly compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected at $32.39 in 2026, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $28.93. This advantageous rate allows part-time workers, such as those on a typical schedule of three days a week, to earn a solid hourly wage while providing them the flexibility to manage their time effectively. This profession serves various settings, including residential service routes, commercial rooftop units, and supermarket refrigeration cases. The hourly pay varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $22.16 (P10) while those with extensive experience or in high-demand environments can reach up to $50.22 (P90). All rates are estimations based on the annual salary data, reflecting the dynamic nature of HVAC work in the region.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.16 | $177.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.11 | $208.89 |
| Median (P50) | $32.39 | $259.13 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.96 | $319.68 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.22 | $401.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carson
Based on $32.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.39/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carson, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,375 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,870. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Carson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,295.67 | $5,615 | $67,375 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $777.40 | $3,369 | $40,425 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $518.27 | $2,246 | $26,950 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Carson) | $32.39 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Auto Service Technician (National Avg) | $24.83 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Carson, CA earn a median of $67,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.98% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.00% below the California state average of $68,759.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.39/hr = $40,425/year (purchasing power: $35,743).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,375/year (purchasing power: $59,571).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.39/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.63/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carson grew 25.2% from $24.92/hr (2019) to $31.20/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.63/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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.
Working as an Hourly Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer in Carson
For those contemplating part-time work, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Carson earning $32.39 per hour would take home about $25,029 annually, assuming a 24-hour workweek, compared to a full-time worker earning approximately $67,383 yearly. Per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics can also find lucrative opportunities, earning between $30 to $55 hourly along with per-diem rates of $80-$150 for out-of-town projects. These variances can be stark when considering employer types—residential service companies might offer commission or spiff structures that incentivize earnings upwards of $90-$160 hourly during peak seasons, while commercial contractors typically provide stability through salaried positions. When negotiating hourly pay in Carson, technicians should consider both the hourly rate and the benefits package. Some may choose to accept lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and job security, while others may prioritize maximizing their take-home pay. Understanding the local job market, including the influence of emerging technologies and specialized training requirements, can significantly impact this decision-making process.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Carson?
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carson. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carson 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