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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Rocklin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.28/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.39/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.63/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 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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rocklin 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 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.
More salary data for Rocklin, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Rocklin?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Rocklin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Rocklin?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Rocklin?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 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).
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