HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Rocklin, CA: $32.39 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Rocklin, CA runs $32.39 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,373 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Rocklin's regional price level (BEA RPP 113.1, 13% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,425 per year.

$67,373
Median Annual Salary
$32.39/hr
Hourly Rate
$46,068
Entry Level (P10)
$104,428
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Rocklin, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Rocklin, CA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Rocklin, California, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $32.39 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93 per hour. This competitive rate reflects both the cost of living in the region and the demand for skilled HVAC professionals. For part-time workers logging around three days a week, this rate translates to a take-home of approximately $1,478 weekly, assuming a typical schedule. Entry-level mechanics can expect to start around $22.14 an hour, while those with substantial experience and specialization may reach as high as $50.21 per hour. This range indicates strong potential for growth within this vocation, especially given the ongoing transition to energy-efficient systems and the increasing use of advanced refrigerants as guided by EPA regulations.

About the Rocklin 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

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$22.14$177.16
Lower Range (P25)$26.10$208.80
Median (P50)$32.39$259.13
Upper Range (P75)$39.94$319.52
Top Earners (P90)$50.21$401.66

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Rocklin

Based on $32.39/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Rocklin earning $32.39/hr would make approximately $38,870 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $67,375 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$38,870Reduced (32 hr/wk)$51,827Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$67,375

At $32.39/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Rocklin, CA can expect to earn approximately $67,375 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,870. With a cost-of-living index of 113.10 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Rocklin.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$259.13
per 8hr shift
$1,295.67
per week
$5,615
per month
$67,375
per year

Schedule Comparison in Rocklin

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,295.67$5,615$67,375
Part-Time (24 hrs)$777.40$3,369$40,425
Per Diem (16 hrs)$518.27$2,246$26,950

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Rocklin)$32.39
Electrician (National Avg)$31.97
Plumber (National Avg)$32.85
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Auto Service Technician (National Avg)$24.83
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Rocklin ($67,373) with California average ($68,748) and the US national median ($60,174).Rocklin$67,373California Avg$68,748-2.00%US National$60,174+11.96%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Rocklin, CA earn a median of $67,373 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.96% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.00% below the California state average of $68,748.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $32.39/hr = $40,425/year (purchasing power: $35,743).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,375/year (purchasing power: $59,571).

CoL index: 113.1 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$24.92/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$31.20/hr

2026 Current Est.

$32.39/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Rocklin (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin. Baseline $24.92/hr in 2025, projected to $33.63/hr by 2027.$23$27$31$35$392019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$24.92$25.87$24.87$26.28$29.30$36.23$31.20$32.39$33.63
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$24.92/hrActual
2020$25.87/hrActual
2021$24.87/hrActual
2022$26.28/hrActual
2023$29.30/hrActual
2024$36.23/hrActual
2025$31.20/hrActual
2026(current)$32.39/hrEstimated
2027$33.63/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin grew 25.2% from $24.92/hr (2019) to $31.20/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.63/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rocklin metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Rocklin

Analyzing the earning potential for those in Rocklin, part-time workers in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration typically bring home a lower annual income compared to their full-time counterparts. A 24-hour workweek equates to about $77,000 annually for full-time workers, when considering possible overtime opportunities. In contrast, per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the region can vary greatly, with travel techs on major projects earning between $30 and $55 per hour, plus daily per-diem amounts ranging from $80 to $150. This places contractors effectively earning $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, further enriching their compensation landscape. Rocklin's diverse employment options with various employers—from high-volume residential service companies to commercial HVAC and data centers—play a significant role in influencing how hourly rates can fluctuate. Many workers might choose positions with lower hourly rates that provide benefits like health insurance while the self-employed often leverage a higher hourly rate but sacrifice consistent benefits. Understanding these dynamics can aid technicians in negotiating their pay, especially in areas with a higher cost of living like Rocklin.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin is $32.39/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $22.14 at entry level (10th percentile) to $50.21 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 12.0% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Rocklin?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Rocklin earns approximately $3,369/month, or $40,425/year at the median hourly rate of $32.39. Many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin are paid hourly at a median rate of $32.39/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $67,375/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Rocklin?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Rocklin earns approximately $67,375/year at the median hourly rate of $32.39. This is 12.0% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $104,431/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Rocklin?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $50.21/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 Rocklin. 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 Rocklin is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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