Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Maple Valley, WA: $32.57 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Maple Valley, WA runs $32.57 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $67,736 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Maple Valley's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,645 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Maple Valley, Washington, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly pay of $32.57, which significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $28.93. This level of compensation implies that part-time workers, typically clocking around 24 hours per week, would bring home approximately $40,659 annually, while per-diem technicians handling different projects might benefit considerably from a flexible schedule. The hourly pay structure reflects a range from $22.44 at the entry-level to $48.85 for the highest earners, showcasing the potential for lucrative income as professionals gain experience and specialty skills. These estimates generally stem from annual figures based on 2025 BLS data, giving insight into the practical realities faced by HVAC professionals in various settings, such as residential service routes, commercial installations, and specialized refrigeration tasks.
About the Maple Valley 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) | $22.44 | $179.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.56 | $204.48 |
| Median (P50) | $32.57 | $260.55 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.45 | $323.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.85 | $390.78 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Maple Valley
Based on $32.57/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.57/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Maple Valley, WA can expect to earn approximately $67,742 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,082. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Maple Valley.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Maple Valley
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,302.73 | $5,645 | $67,742 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $781.64 | $3,387 | $40,645 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $521.09 | $2,258 | $27,097 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Maple Valley) | $32.57 |
| 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 Maple Valley, WA earn a median of $67,736 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.57% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 4.90% below the Washington state average of $71,226.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.57/hr = $40,645/year (purchasing power: $37,845).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $67,742/year (purchasing power: $63,075).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.57/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Maple Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.39/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.57/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.81/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 Maple Valley grew 25.2% from $25.06/hr (2019) to $31.37/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.81/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 Maple Valley 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 Maple Valley
Part-time earnings for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer illustrate a nuanced financial picture. With choices like per-diem or agency work, where travel technicians can command daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 alongside base wages of $30 to $55 per hour, income can vary widely based on employment type and demand. Self-employed contractors often see effective rates from $90 to $160 an hour during peak seasons, creating a strong incentive for independent work despite the lack of benefits. Employers in Maple Valley, including residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors, might offer varying hourly rates that reflect the type of work and the market demand. Professionals must often weigh the trade-off between potential lower hourly rates offering health benefits versus higher pay without such perks. When negotiating pay in this competitive field, understanding local market trends and demonstrating specialized skills can significantly enhance earning potential.
More salary data for Maple Valley, WA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Maple Valley, WA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Maple Valley, WA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Maple Valley, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Maple Valley in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Maple Valley?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Maple Valley paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Maple Valley?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Maple Valley?
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 Maple Valley. 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 Maple Valley 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