Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in La Mirada, CA: $32.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in La Mirada, CA runs $32.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,317 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against La Mirada's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,995 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Mirada, California, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate stands at $32.85, which is significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive wage allows technicians working part-time—typically three days a week—to earn a solid income while balancing work with other commitments. Local mechanics engage in a variety of settings, from residential service truck routes to commercial buildings, requiring different skill sets and techniques. The hourly range in La Mirada varies widely, with entry-level mechanics earning approximately $22.28 and top earners making around $48.86 per hour. These estimates are reflective of the annual salary data from 2025, adjusted for 2026 projections, illustrating a robust earning potential in this trade.
About the La Mirada 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) | $22.28 | $178.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $209.97 |
| Median (P50) | $32.85 | $262.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.26 | $330.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.86 | $390.86 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Mirada
Based on $32.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.85/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Mirada, CA can expect to earn approximately $68,325 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,418. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in La Mirada.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Mirada
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,313.95 | $5,694 | $68,325 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $788.37 | $3,416 | $40,995 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $525.58 | $2,278 | $27,330 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (La Mirada) | $32.85 |
| 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 La Mirada, CA earn a median of $68,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.53% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.60% below the California state average of $68,729.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.85/hr = $40,995/year (purchasing power: $36,247).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,325/year (purchasing power: $60,411).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.64/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.74/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.64/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.10/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 La Mirada grew 25.2% from $25.27/hr (2019) to $31.64/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.10/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 La Mirada 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 La Mirada
Part-time mechanics working a 24-hour week in La Mirada could expect to earn about $40,312 annually, a decent income compared to a full-time salary in a competitive job market. For those leveraging per-diem opportunities, such as travel HVAC technicians, additional earnings are common with daily stipends between $80 to $150, enhancing overall take-home pay significantly. Residential service calls also present lucrative minimum charges, typically ranging from $90 to $180. Different employer types influence hourly pay; commercial contractors and data center roles often offer more stable pay structures compared to the variable income seen in residential service companies. Benefiting from health insurance versus opting for higher hourly rates becomes a key consideration for many mechanics. Skillful negotiation is vital, especially in La Mirada's competitive market, where awareness of the different employer value propositions can lead to better compensation terms.
More salary data for La Mirada, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in La Mirada in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in La Mirada?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in La Mirada paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in La Mirada?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in La Mirada?
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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 La Mirada. 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 La Mirada 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