Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Federal Way, WA: $33.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Federal Way, WA runs $33.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,558 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Federal Way's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,330 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Federal Way, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers averages $33.92, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This elevated rate reflects the local demand for skilled technicians in a variety of settings, including residential service routes and commercial operations. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek, this translates to about $1,164 weekly before taxes, while per-diem workers on temporary assignments might earn between $80 to $150 daily, plus their hourly wage. Entry-level positions start around $22.28 per hour, with experienced professionals potentially earning up to $52.57 per hour, showcasing the broad range of opportunities available in this field. Overall, projected data for 2026 underscores a robust market for HVAC workers in this area.
About the Federal Way 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) | $22.28 | $178.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.71 | $213.70 |
| Median (P50) | $33.92 | $271.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.20 | $345.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.57 | $420.60 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Federal Way
Based on $33.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.92/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Federal Way, WA can expect to earn approximately $70,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,702. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Federal Way.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Federal Way
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,356.72 | $5,879 | $70,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.03 | $3,527 | $42,330 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.69 | $2,352 | $28,220 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Federal Way) | $33.92 |
| 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 Federal Way, WA earn a median of $70,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.26% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $71,199.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.92/hr = $42,330/year (purchasing power: $39,413).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,549/year (purchasing power: $65,688).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.21/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 Federal Way grew 25.2% from $26.09/hr (2019) to $32.67/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.21/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 Federal Way 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 Federal Way
Exploring the earning potential in Federal Way reveals interesting dynamics for part-time mechanics and installers. A worker engaged on a 3-day schedule, putting in 24 hours a week, would earn approximately $60,800 annually — notably less than their full-time counterparts. The compensation structure for per-diem roles adds to the income variability. For example, travel techs on commercial projects can command $30 to $55 an hour, alongside daily per-diem stipends that enhance total compensation. Different employer types also impact pay rates; residential service companies may offer base hourly earnings enhanced by bonuses for added sales commissions, while commercial HVAC firms typically provide steady salaries with overtime possibilities. Compensation packages often reflect a trade-off between higher hourly rates and benefits, a decision facing many HVAC techs in the current market. When negotiating pay, technicians should emphasize their certifications and specialized skills while remaining aware of market dynamics and employer offerings in Federal Way, WA.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Federal Way in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Federal Way?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Federal Way paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Federal Way?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Federal Way?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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 Federal Way. 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 Federal Way 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