Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Madera, CA: $32.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Madera, CA runs $32.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,155 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Madera's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,295 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Madera, California, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers reflects a competitive market, with a median hourly rate of $32.29. This rate is notably higher than the national median of $28.93, indicating a favorable working environment for HVAC professionals in the region. For part-time workers, specifically those working three days a week, earning this median rate translates to approximately $2,317.76 monthly while engaging in various roles such as residential service calls, commercial rooftop installations, or refrigeration maintenance in supermarkets. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $21.91, while experienced workers can command rates up to $50.04, showcasing a broad earning potential across different experience levels and job settings.
About the Madera 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) | $21.91 | $175.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.89 | $207.14 |
| Median (P50) | $32.29 | $258.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.97 | $327.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.04 | $400.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Madera
Based on $32.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.29/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Madera, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,159 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,746. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Madera.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Madera
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,291.52 | $5,597 | $67,159 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $774.91 | $3,358 | $40,295 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $516.61 | $2,239 | $26,864 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Madera) | $32.29 |
| 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 Madera, CA earn a median of $67,155 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.60% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.30% below the California state average of $68,736.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.29/hr = $40,295/year (purchasing power: $35,628).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,159/year (purchasing power: $59,380).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$18.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.10/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+82.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Madera (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.52/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 Madera grew 68.8% from $18.42/hr (2019) to $31.10/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.52/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 Madera 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 Madera
Focusing on the part-time earnings for those scheduling just three days a week, HVAC mechanics can expect to bring home approximately $27,813 annually based on a 24-hour work week. For those in per-diem roles, the pay structure becomes even more lucrative, with rates reaching $30-$55 per hour on projects, paired with daily per-diem allowances of $80-$150. The variation in hourly pay can significantly depend on employer types, from residential service companies which may offer solid starting rates but lower overhead costs, to self-employed contractors who can charge $90-$160 during peak seasons but often navigate the challenges of inconsistent work. Health insurance and other benefits may attract some to positions with lower hourly rates, creating a balance between immediate income and long-term financial stability. For those negotiating their hourly rates in Madera, it's important to consider the value of steady work versus the potential for higher earnings in freelance or per-diem roles in varied HVAC contexts, such as commercial or specialized refrigeration work.
More salary data for Madera, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Madera in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Madera?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Madera paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Madera?
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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 Madera. 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 Madera 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