Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Washington, DC: $34.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Washington, DC runs $34.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,934 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Washington's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.9, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,563 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Washington, DC, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers command a competitive hourly median pay of $34.10, significantly surpassing the national median of $28.93. This favorable rate reflects the higher cost of living in the area, making it an attractive choice for both full-time and part-time workers alike. Those employed part-time, for example, working three days a week could earn approximately $27,160 annually while maximizing their work-life balance. The hourly pay ranges from $22.25 for entry-level positions up to $49.88 for top earners, offering a path to increased earnings with experience and specialization in areas such as residential service or commercial HVAC systems. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.25 | $177.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.34 | $218.69 |
| Median (P50) | $34.10 | $272.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.31 | $338.45 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.88 | $399.00 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Washington
Based on $34.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.10/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Washington, DC can expect to earn approximately $70,938 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,926. With a cost-of-living index of 108.88 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Washington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Washington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,364.19 | $5,912 | $70,938 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $818.52 | $3,547 | $42,563 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $545.68 | $2,365 | $28,375 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Washington) | $34.10 |
| 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 Washington, DC earn a median of $70,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.88% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.10% above the District of Columbia state average of $66,856.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.10/hr = $42,563/year (purchasing power: $39,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,938/year (purchasing power: $65,150).
CoL index: 108.884 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.96/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+22.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.66/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.41/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 Washington grew 13.4% from $28.96/hr (2019) to $32.85/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.41/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 Washington 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 Washington
In terms of overall earning potential, a part-time mechanic in Washington could take home nearly $27,160 each year versus a full-timer's earnings, enhancing flexibility without sacrificing substantial income. Moreover, per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay can significantly increase overall compensation. Those working on out-of-town projects might earn between $80-$150 per day along with additional hourly wages of $30-$55. Self-employed contractors can earn high rates, with effective hourly rates during peak seasons reaching $90-$160. Employers including residential service companies and commercial contractors offer varied compensation packages, which can include benefits such as health insurance, impacting the overall hourly rate acceptance. For HVAC techs in DC, negotiating for higher hourly rates while ensuring health benefits is essential, making it crucial to assess both immediate compensation and long-term advantages when evaluating job offers.
More salary data for Washington, DC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Washington in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Washington?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Washington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Washington?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Washington?
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 Washington. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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