Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Bellevue, WA: $38.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Bellevue, WA runs $38.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $79,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Bellevue's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.71 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $47,862 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bellevue, WA, the current heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a robust $38.35, significantly outpacing the national median of $28.93. This means that for those working on a part-time schedule of three days per week, the earnings can be substantial, especially considering the diverse settings in which these professionals operate. For instance, mechanics often find themselves servicing residential units or managing commercial systems in locations such as supermarkets and data centers. The hourly range for this profession in Bellevue varies widely—from $23.75 for entry-level positions to as much as $59.45 for seasoned experts, reflecting the demand for skilled technicians capable of navigating the complexities of modern HVAC systems.
About the Bellevue Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) 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) | $23.75 | $190.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.23 | $233.80 |
| Median (P50) | $38.35 | $306.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.69 | $389.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $59.45 | $475.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bellevue
Based on $38.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $38.35/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bellevue, WA can expect to earn approximately $79,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $46,021. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bellevue.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bellevue
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,534.04 | $6,648 | $79,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $920.43 | $3,989 | $47,862 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $613.62 | $2,659 | $31,908 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Bellevue) | $38.35 |
| 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 Bellevue, WA earn a median of $79,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 32.58% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 12.00% above the Washington state average of $71,229.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $38.35/hr = $47,862/year (purchasing power: $44,564).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $79,770/year (purchasing power: $74,274).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$38.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bellevue (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.86/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $38.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.82/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 Bellevue grew 25.2% from $29.50/hr (2019) to $36.94/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.82/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 Bellevue 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 Bellevue
For those considering part-time work, a 24-hour workweek could yield nearly $47,800 annually, which, while below full-time figures, still offers a solid income. Many in the industry also engage in per-diem work or are self-employed, where compensation structures can differ significantly. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Bellevue can range from $80 to $150 daily, in addition to hourly wages that often fall between $30 to $55 for travel assignments. The types of employers influence pay rates too; residential service companies may employ a commission structure that can boost earnings during peak seasons, whereas commercial positions might offer steady salaries with overtime potential. It's crucial for hourly workers to understand their worth in this market, and especially to negotiate based on their skills, experience, and certifications, which can make a notable difference in their overall compensation.
More salary data for Bellevue, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bellevue in 2026?
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Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bellevue paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Bellevue?
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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 Bellevue. 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 Bellevue 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