Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Chico, CA: $29.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Chico, CA runs $29.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,057 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Chico's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.2, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.48 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,238 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chico, CA, earn a median hourly rate of $29.84, which is higher than the national median of $28.93. This hourly wage reflects the local demand for skilled technicians in both residential and commercial settings, such as service routes in residential areas, mechanical rooms in commercial buildings, and specialized data center cooling environments. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, earning this rate translates to significant income potential while maintaining flexibility. With an hourly range covering entry-level positions starting at $20.73 to experienced technicians making up to $44.70, the financial prospects in Chico can be quite favorable, according to official BLS data projections.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.73 | $165.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.93 | $191.44 |
| Median (P50) | $29.84 | $238.70 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.93 | $287.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.70 | $357.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chico
Based on $29.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.84/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chico, CA can expect to earn approximately $62,063 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,805. With a cost-of-living index of 101.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chico.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chico
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,193.51 | $5,172 | $62,063 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.11 | $3,103 | $37,238 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.41 | $2,069 | $24,825 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Chico) | $29.84 |
| 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 Chico, CA earn a median of $62,057 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.13% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 9.70% below the California state average of $68,724.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.84/hr = $37,238/year (purchasing power: $36,797).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,063/year (purchasing power: $61,329).
CoL index: 101.197 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.75/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Chico (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.98/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 Chico grew 32.1% from $21.75/hr (2019) to $28.74/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.98/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 Chico 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 Chico
Analyzing the earning landscape reveals varied opportunities, particularly for part-time mechanics who work approximately 24 hours a week, potentially earning around $37,000 annually, compared to full-time colleagues. For per-diem workers, compensation could range widely—receiving between $80 and $150 daily while also earning a base hourly pay of $30 to $55. Profitability in the trade may differ based on the type of employer; residential service companies often offer commission structures that can elevate earnings significantly, while self-employed contractors in high-cost markets can clear substantial hourly rates during peak seasons. Those who choose lower hourly pay may do so to benefit from included health insurance. When negotiating, knowledge about the varying rates across sectors can empower mechanics to make informed decisions that best align with their career goals and financial needs in the growing Chico HVAC market.
More salary data for Chico, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chico in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Chico?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chico paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Chico?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Chico?
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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 Chico. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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