Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Murrieta, CA: $32.98 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Murrieta, CA runs $32.98 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,612 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Murrieta's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,164 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Murrieta, California, earn a median hourly rate of $32.98, higher than the national hourly median of $28.93. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled workers in various settings, including residential service routes, commercial rooftop units, and supermarket refrigeration systems. For those considering part-time roles, working three days a week could yield a substantial income, with entry-level technicians earning around $22.02 per hour and experienced professionals reaching up to $51.13. This hourly rate analysis is based on projected 2026 estimates derived from 2025 BLS data, which emphasizes the evolving opportunities in the HVAC field across Murrieta.
About the Murrieta 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) | $22.02 | $176.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.25 | $209.97 |
| Median (P50) | $32.98 | $263.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.22 | $337.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.13 | $409.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murrieta
Based on $32.98/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.98/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murrieta, CA can expect to earn approximately $68,606 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,580. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Murrieta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murrieta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,319.34 | $5,717 | $68,606 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $791.61 | $3,430 | $41,164 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $527.74 | $2,287 | $27,442 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Murrieta) | $32.98 |
| 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 Murrieta, CA earn a median of $68,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.02% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.20% below the California state average of $68,749.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.98/hr = $41,164/year (purchasing power: $36,396).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,606/year (purchasing power: $60,660).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.98/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Murrieta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.34/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.90/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.98/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.24/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 Murrieta grew 25.2% from $25.38/hr (2019) to $31.77/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.24/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 Murrieta 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 Murrieta
When examining the part-time earning potential for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Murrieta, it's vital to recognize that a 24-hour workweek can still generate a significant annual income compared to full-time positions. Per diem arrangements for HVAC technicians, particularly on commercial projects, can offer daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 in addition to an hourly base of $30 to $55, making it appealing for those willing to travel. Local residential service companies, including Carrier dealers and franchises like One Hour Heating & Air, often stipulate minimum service charges of $90 to $180 per call, enabling contractors to maximize earning potential. Hourly rates vary by employer type, with commercial HVAC contractors and data center operations often providing more stable income through salary structures and overtime while also balancing trade-offs between hourly wages and health insurance benefits. Understanding these dynamics is crucial when negotiating pay packages in Murrieta, allowing workers to seek fair compensation aligned with their skills and market demand.
More salary data for Murrieta, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Murrieta in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Murrieta?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Murrieta paid hourly or salary?
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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 Murrieta. 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 Murrieta 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