Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Laguna Niguel, CA: $32.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Laguna Niguel, CA runs $32.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,757 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Laguna Niguel's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.37 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,049 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laguna Niguel, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay forecasts a competitive rate at $32.09 per hour, significantly above the national average of $28.93 per hour. This favorable rate suggests a healthy demand in the local job market, allowing part-time workers—such as those on a 3-day week schedule—to earn a solid income while providing flexibility. For instance, someone working 24 hours per week could potentially bring home around $39,453 annually, which illustrates the balance between work-life flexibility and earning potential. The hourly pay spans a range from $21.35 for entry-level positions to $49.75 for top earners, indicating that there’s room for advancement, especially for skilled technicians who excel in specialized fields like commercial HVAC or refrigeration for supermarkets.
About the Laguna Niguel 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) | $21.35 | $170.76 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.51 | $204.07 |
| Median (P50) | $32.09 | $256.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.08 | $328.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.75 | $398.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laguna Niguel
Based on $32.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.09/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laguna Niguel, CA can expect to earn approximately $66,749 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,509. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Laguna Niguel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laguna Niguel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,283.63 | $5,562 | $66,749 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $770.18 | $3,337 | $40,049 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.45 | $2,225 | $26,700 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Laguna Niguel) | $32.09 |
| 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 Laguna Niguel, CA earn a median of $66,757 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.94% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.90% below the California state average of $68,751.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.09/hr = $40,049/year (purchasing power: $35,410).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,749/year (purchasing power: $59,017).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.91/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Laguna Niguel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.91/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.32/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 Laguna Niguel grew 25.2% from $24.69/hr (2019) to $30.91/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.32/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 Laguna Niguel 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 Laguna Niguel
Looking closer at Laguna Niguel's employment landscape, part-time mechanics opting for agency work or per-diem roles can earn between $30 and $55 per hour, with additional per diem compensation ranging from $80 to $150 a day for out-of-town jobs. Those engaged in residential service calls can rely on minimum rates that hover between $90 and $180, depending on the urgency and service required. Meanwhile, self-employed contractors in this high-cost market can achieve billing rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, which reflects the trade-off some mechanics make between hourly rates and benefits. Navigating different employer types, from prominent residential service companies to specialized commercial HVAC contractors, can yield varied pay rates. Mechanics often consider benefit packages when evaluating job offers, weighing the stability of lower-paying roles against potentially higher rates without health insurance. For those negotiating hourly wages, flexibility in discussions regarding benefits and pay can prove essential in maximizing overall compensation while remaining competitive in the bustling HVAC market of Laguna Niguel.
More salary data for Laguna Niguel, CA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Laguna Niguel, CA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Laguna Niguel, CA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Laguna Niguel, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Laguna Niguel in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Laguna Niguel?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Laguna Niguel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Laguna Niguel?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Laguna Niguel?
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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 Laguna Niguel. 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 Laguna Niguel 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