Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Rancho Cordova, CA: $32.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Rancho Cordova, CA runs $32.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,190 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Rancho Cordova's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,917 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rancho Cordova, the median hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $32.79 in 2026, which exceeds the national average hourly rate of $28.93. This competitive pay translates well for part-time workers, particularly those on a three-day workweek schedule, as they can still earn a substantial income while balancing other commitments. Per-diem workers operating in residential service routes, commercial units, or industrial settings can expect an hourly range from $20.42 at entry-level positions to $50.82 for top earners in the field. The flexibility in hours also means per-diem professionals often supplement their base rates with additional pay for specialized tasks or urgent service calls, and those seeking self-employment can benefit from a wider range of opportunities, such as operating service trucks or contracting with various clients in Rancho Cordova.
About the Rancho Cordova 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) | $20.42 | $163.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.89 | $215.12 |
| Median (P50) | $32.79 | $262.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.95 | $327.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.82 | $406.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cordova
Based on $32.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.79/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cordova, CA can expect to earn approximately $68,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,344. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cordova.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cordova
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,311.45 | $5,683 | $68,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $786.87 | $3,410 | $40,917 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $524.58 | $2,273 | $27,278 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Rancho Cordova) | $32.79 |
| 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 Rancho Cordova, CA earn a median of $68,190 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.32% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.80% below the California state average of $68,740.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.79/hr = $40,917/year (purchasing power: $36,178).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,196/year (purchasing power: $60,297).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.58/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Rancho Cordova (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.67/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.58/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.04/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 Rancho Cordova grew 25.2% from $25.22/hr (2019) to $31.58/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.04/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 Rancho Cordova 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 Rancho Cordova
Part-time mechanics and installers who work a consistent 24-hour week, for instance, could anticipate an annual income of approximately $40,000, highlighting a reasonable earning potential even outside of full-time roles. For professionals considering per-diem employment, companies may offer daily rates that can add $80-$150 for travel assignments, along with their hourly wages, which range from $30 to $55. Residential service calls can have minimum chargeouts of between $90 and $180, presenting lucrative opportunities for those in high-traffic markets. Different employer types such as residential service companies, commercial contractors, and refrigeration specialists have varying pay scales, which means someone may choose to trade higher hourly rates for additional benefits like health insurance or retirement plans. Effective negotiation is essential—understanding the wage structure and being aware of market demand can empower HVAC professionals to seek favorable terms that align with their career goals in Rancho Cordova.
More salary data for Rancho Cordova, CA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cordova, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rancho Cordova in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Rancho Cordova?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rancho Cordova paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Rancho Cordova?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cordova?
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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 Rancho Cordova. 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 Rancho Cordova 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