Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Newport Beach, CA: $32.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Newport Beach, CA runs $32.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Newport Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,360 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Newport Beach, California, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $32.34, which surpasses the national median of $28.93. This higher hourly pay reflects the unique cost of living dynamics and demand for skilled technicians in the area. The hourly range for these positions in Newport Beach varies significantly from $22.02 for entry-level roles to $50.12 for top earners, allowing flexibility for both full-time and part-time employment. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, the pay can translate into a considerable hourly rate, making it viable for individuals seeking supplemental income through residential service routes or commercial settings like mechanical rooms and supermarkets. The figures provided here are estimates derived from annual salary data and give insights into the diverse work settings where HVAC professionals thrive.
About the Newport Beach 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) | $25.99 | $207.89 |
| Median (P50) | $32.34 | $258.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.04 | $328.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.12 | $400.99 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Newport Beach
Based on $32.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.34/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Newport Beach, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,267 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,808. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Newport Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Newport Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,293.60 | $5,606 | $67,267 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $776.16 | $3,363 | $40,360 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $517.44 | $2,242 | $26,907 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Newport Beach) | $32.34 |
| 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 Newport Beach, CA earn a median of $67,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.77% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.20% below 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 $32.34/hr = $40,360/year (purchasing power: $35,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,267/year (purchasing power: $59,476).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Newport Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.24/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.58/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 Newport Beach grew 25.2% from $24.88/hr (2019) to $31.15/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.58/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 Newport Beach 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 Newport Beach
With an emphasis on maximizing earnings, HVAC technicians in Newport Beach can strategically approach their career paths. For instance, a part-time worker putting in 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $40,632 annually, reflecting a competitive position without committing to full-time schedules. In the realm of per diem work, technicians may find opportunities that offer base pay ranging from $30 to $55 per hour, coupled with daily per diem rates between $80 and $150 for out-of-town projects, enhancing earning potential. Hourly rates fluctuate depending on the employer, with residential service companies sometimes offering bonuses in high-traffic seasons. Negotiating for benefits versus a higher hourly rate can significantly impact overall compensation; some may opt for the stability of employer-provided benefits while others prioritize hourly pay. Knowledge of local market rates and familiarity with the commission structures at various employers can assist HVAC professionals in Newport Beach in securing the best compensation packages in this thriving industry.
More salary data for Newport Beach, CA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Newport Beach, CA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Newport Beach, CA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Newport Beach, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Newport Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Newport Beach?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Newport Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Newport Beach?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Newport Beach?
Related Pages
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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 Newport Beach. 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 Newport Beach 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