Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Fullerton, CA: $33.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Fullerton, CA runs $33.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,629 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Fullerton's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,381 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fullerton, California, the hourly wage for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at approximately $33.96, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This pay range offers substantial opportunities for part-time professionals, such as those working three days a week, to potentially earn around $1,200 weekly or roughly $62,400 annually, based on approximately 1,800 hours of work per year. The hourly rates for individuals in this field vary between $21.42 for entry-level positions and can exceed $52.64 for more experienced technicians. This pay structure reflects the diverse working conditions—from residential service routes to large commercial projects—that these professionals encounter, allowing them to adapt their schedule and income based on the nature of the work.
About the Fullerton 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) | $21.42 | $171.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.17 | $209.38 |
| Median (P50) | $33.96 | $271.68 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.42 | $347.34 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.64 | $421.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fullerton
Based on $33.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.96/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fullerton, CA can expect to earn approximately $70,636 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,751. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fullerton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fullerton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,358.38 | $5,886 | $70,636 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $815.03 | $3,532 | $42,381 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.35 | $2,355 | $28,254 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Fullerton) | $33.96 |
| 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 Fullerton, CA earn a median of $70,629 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.37% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.70% above the California state average of $68,772.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.96/hr = $42,381/year (purchasing power: $37,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,636/year (purchasing power: $62,454).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.13/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.71/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fullerton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.13/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.71/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.26/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 Fullerton grew 25.2% from $26.13/hr (2019) to $32.71/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.26/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 Fullerton 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 Fullerton
The earning potential for part-time mechanics in this sector can be particularly robust, especially considering the demand for skilled technicians in Fullerton. A per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer may receive additional compensation ranging from $80 to $150 per day for travel work outside the area, along with competitive hourly rates between $30 and $55. For residential service calls, the minimum charges frequently fall between $90 and $180, and self-employed contractors can project effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. Employers including commercial HVAC contractors, residential service companies, and large data center operators typify the variety in pay rates. Some technicians may prioritize steady pay and benefits over higher hourly rates, impacting their overall take-home income. Negotiation can be key in securing an optimal rate; understanding the market and leveraging skills and certifications, like EPA Section 608, can significantly improve one’s bargaining position for higher compensation in Fullerton's competitive landscape.
More salary data for Fullerton, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fullerton in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Fullerton?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fullerton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Fullerton?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Fullerton?
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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 Fullerton. 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 Fullerton 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