Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $33.50 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Rancho Cucamonga, CA runs $33.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,695 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Rancho Cucamonga's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,811 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a competitive $33.50. This figure not only surpasses the national median of $28.93 but also demonstrates the increasing demand for skilled technicians in the area. This hourly rate translates into attractive earning possibilities for part-time workers, who might operate on a 3-day workweek, effectively earning about $1,080 each week. Furthermore, per-diem workers in commercial projects enjoy higher compensation opportunities, particularly when working in specialized settings such as mechanical rooms, rooftop units, or food service refrigeration cases. The hourly wage for new entrants starts at $20.53, while top professionals can earn as much as $51.94 per hour, reflecting the diverse levels of expertise within this sector.
About the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $20.53 | $164.20 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.28 | $218.27 |
| Median (P50) | $33.50 | $268.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.32 | $338.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.94 | $415.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rancho Cucamonga
Based on $33.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.50/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rancho Cucamonga, CA can expect to earn approximately $69,686 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,203. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rancho Cucamonga.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rancho Cucamonga
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,340.11 | $5,807 | $69,686 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $804.07 | $3,484 | $41,811 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $536.04 | $2,323 | $27,874 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Rancho Cucamonga) | $33.50 |
| 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 Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $69,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.82% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% above the California state average of $68,733.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.50/hr = $41,811/year (purchasing power: $36,969).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,686/year (purchasing power: $61,614).
CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.27/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.50/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.27/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.50/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.78/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 Cucamonga grew 25.2% from $25.77/hr (2019) to $32.27/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.78/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 Cucamonga 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 Cucamonga
Analyzing the part-time earning potential reveals that a mechanic working three days a week averages around $56,736 annually, a stark contrast to full-time earnings. For those taking on per-diem assignments, the reality can be quite lucrative, with base rates between $30 and $55 per hour supplemented by daily stipends from $80 to $150. Residential service calls often command a minimum fee of $90 to $180, further enhancing the financial appeal for those working in this field. Additionally, pay rates vary considerably depending on employer types; residential service companies may employ a commission structure that boosts full-timers' incomes significantly, while commercial contractors often avoid commissions for more stable salaried roles. The careful consideration of benefits versus hourly pay can influence decisions, with many opting for slightly lower rates in exchange for healthcare coverage. To negotiate effectively in this competitive market, mechanics should emphasize their certifications and specialized skills, knowing that the shift towards heat pump installations related to recent tax credits reflects ongoing industry evolution.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rancho Cucamonga in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Rancho Cucamonga?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rancho Cucamonga paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Rancho Cucamonga?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 Cucamonga. 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 Cucamonga 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