Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Lake Stevens, WA: $33.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Lake Stevens, WA runs $33.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Lake Stevens's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,319 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lake Stevens, Washington, are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $33.11, significantly above the national median of $28.93. This favorable compensation reflects the demand for skilled workers in various settings, including residential service routes, commercial installations, and refrigeration systems in supermarkets. Entry-level technicians may start as low as $23.60 per hour, while more experienced professionals in specialized roles can earn up to $48.74. For those considering part-time positions, such as working three days per week, typically within residential and light commercial environments, the hourly pay offers substantial take-home earnings, especially when factoring in the commission structures offered by many service companies. However, this hourly range mainly reflects estimates derived from annual salary data and varies based on individual experience and the complexity of assigned tasks.
About the Lake Stevens 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) | $23.60 | $188.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.38 | $219.02 |
| Median (P50) | $33.11 | $264.87 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.49 | $323.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.74 | $389.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lake Stevens
Based on $33.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.11/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lake Stevens, WA can expect to earn approximately $68,865 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,730. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lake Stevens.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lake Stevens
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,324.33 | $5,739 | $68,865 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $794.60 | $3,443 | $41,319 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $529.73 | $2,296 | $27,546 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Lake Stevens) | $33.11 |
| 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 Lake Stevens, WA earn a median of $68,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.44% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.30% below the Washington state average of $71,213.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.11/hr = $41,319/year (purchasing power: $38,472).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,865/year (purchasing power: $64,120).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.89/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Lake Stevens (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.42/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.89/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.37/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 Lake Stevens grew 25.2% from $25.47/hr (2019) to $31.89/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.37/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 Lake Stevens 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 Lake Stevens
For part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lake Stevens, working three days a week can yield an annual take-home pay that is significantly lower than that of full-time counterparts, but still offers a competitive income for a part-time schedule. Many employees engaged in per diem work for out-of-town commercial projects can expect to earn from $80 to $150 daily in addition to an hourly base rate ranging from $30 to $55, showcasing lucrative opportunities for those willing to travel. The variance in pay also reflects the differences in employer types; contractors working with residential service companies may have different compensation structures compared to commercial HVAC contractors or refrigerator specialists. While some mechanics may choose lower-paying positions for health benefits, others may prefer higher hourly rates without benefits, weighing their options according to personal needs. Negotiation is key in this field, especially in a competitive market, where understanding the value of specialized skills—such as EPA Section 608 certification and NATE training—can influence salary discussions.
More salary data for Lake Stevens, WA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Lake Stevens, WA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Lake Stevens, WA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Lake Stevens, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lake Stevens in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Lake Stevens?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lake Stevens paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Lake Stevens?
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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 Lake Stevens. 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 Lake Stevens 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