Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Corona, CA: $33.69 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Corona, CA runs $33.69 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,067 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Corona's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,045 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Corona, California, can expect a median hourly rate of $33.69, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This elevated pay reflects the local demand for skilled technicians across various settings such as residential service routes, commercial rooftops, and industrial refrigeration systems. For part-time or per-diem workers, particularly those working three days a week, this hourly wage translates into meaningful earnings, allowing for flexibility while still offering competitive pay. The hourly range in Corona encompasses entry-level positions starting at $20.92 up to seasoned professionals earning $52.21 per hour, demonstrating the potential for growth in this trade. These estimates are derived from annual salary figures but provide valuable insights into the lucrative opportunities available for HVAC workers in the region.
About the Corona 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) | $20.92 | $167.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.64 | $205.15 |
| Median (P50) | $33.69 | $269.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.01 | $336.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.21 | $417.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Corona
Based on $33.69/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.69/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Corona, CA can expect to earn approximately $70,074 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,428. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Corona.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Corona
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,347.58 | $5,840 | $70,074 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.55 | $3,504 | $42,045 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.03 | $2,336 | $28,030 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Corona) | $33.69 |
| 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 Corona, CA earn a median of $70,067 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.44% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.90% above the California state average of $68,761.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.69/hr = $42,045/year (purchasing power: $37,175).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,074/year (purchasing power: $61,958).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.69/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Corona (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.69/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.98/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 Corona grew 25.2% from $25.92/hr (2019) to $32.45/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.98/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 Corona 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 Corona
Part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Corona can realize substantial annual earnings, especially when considering a typical 24-hour workweek. Such professionals can expect to take home around $39,682 a year, which is competitive within the industry but falls short compared to full-time counterparts. For those seeking per-diem roles, traveling technicians engaged in commercial and industrial projects can earn between $80 and $150 daily, in addition to a base hourly wage that varies from $30 to $55. Service minimums for residential calls often start at $90, reaching up to $180. Employers in Corona vary by sector, meaning hourly rates will differ across residential service companies, commercial contractors, and refrigeration specialists. While some technicians prefer working for residential service companies that offer health insurance at slightly lower pay rates, others are enticed by the potential high earnings of self-employed contractors during peak seasons. Negotiating hourly pay in Corona often hinges on demonstrating expertise, especially for those who hold EPA Section 608 certification and relevant experience, positioning themselves as assets in a competitive market.
More salary data for Corona, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Corona in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Corona?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Corona paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Corona?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Corona?
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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 Corona. 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 Corona 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