Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Ellensburg, WA: $32.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Ellensburg, WA runs $32.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,922 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Ellensburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,749 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Ellensburg, the projected hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $32.65, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive hourly pay can make part-time positions (around three days a week) appealing for those seeking flexibility while still earning competitive rates, especially in diverse work environments like residential service routes, commercial rooftops, and specialized cooling rooms. Entry-level workers can expect to start at approximately $22.36 per hour, while seasoned professionals can surpass $47.68 per hour, depending on their skill level and experience. These hourly figures are derived from annual salary projections and reflect the local market's needs and contractor demands in Ellensburg, WA.
About the Ellensburg 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) | $22.36 | $178.90 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.13 | $209.05 |
| Median (P50) | $32.65 | $261.21 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.99 | $319.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.68 | $381.48 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ellensburg
Based on $32.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.65/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ellensburg, WA can expect to earn approximately $67,915 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,182. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Ellensburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ellensburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,306.06 | $5,660 | $67,915 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $783.63 | $3,396 | $40,749 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $522.42 | $2,264 | $27,166 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Ellensburg) | $32.65 |
| 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 Ellensburg, WA earn a median of $67,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.88% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 4.60% below the Washington state average of $71,197.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.65/hr = $40,749/year (purchasing power: $37,941).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,915/year (purchasing power: $63,235).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.12/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ellensburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.07/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.54/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.90/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 Ellensburg grew 25.2% from $25.12/hr (2019) to $31.45/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.90/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 Ellensburg 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 Ellensburg
For those considering a part-time role, working 24 hours a week can yield an annual income lower than full-time counterparts; however, the flexibility can be a significant draw. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics can earn between $80 and $150 daily in addition to an hourly wage of $30-$55, making this an attractive option for those traveling for out-of-town projects. In Ellensburg, earnings vary across employer types, from residential service companies to commercial contractors and self-employed technicians, with hourly rates aligned to the cost of living and regional expectations. Contractors offering benefits will typically pay a lower hourly rate, while those who prioritize cash compensation may see higher rates with fewer benefits. Understanding the local market and benefits is crucial; negotiating hourly rates effectively can profoundly impact overall earning potential in this trade.
More salary data for Ellensburg, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ellensburg in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Ellensburg?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ellensburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Ellensburg?
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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 Ellensburg. 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 Ellensburg 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