Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Tacoma, WA: $37.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Tacoma, WA runs $37.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $77,684 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Tacoma's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,605 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tacoma, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate stands at $37.34, significantly higher than the national average of $28.93. For workers in this field, this means that even part-time employees, typically working three days a week, can earn a respectable income, often covering their living expenses while enjoying a better work-life balance. Per diem professionals, engaged in roles like servicing rooftop units or handling refrigeration in supermarkets, can earn between $23.92 and $57.89 per hour depending on their experience and specific job duties. This hourly range reflects not just a starting point for entry-level technicians, but also the potential for seasoned professionals to significantly boost their earnings, especially when operating as self-employed contractors on busy projects.
About the Tacoma 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) | $23.92 | $191.36 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.08 | $232.64 |
| Median (P50) | $37.34 | $298.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.81 | $382.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $57.89 | $463.12 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tacoma
Based on $37.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.34/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tacoma, WA can expect to earn approximately $77,676 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,813. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tacoma.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tacoma
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,493.76 | $6,473 | $77,676 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $896.26 | $3,884 | $46,605 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $597.50 | $2,589 | $31,070 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Tacoma) | $37.34 |
| 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 Tacoma, WA earn a median of $77,684 per year (2026 est.), which is 29.10% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 9.10% above the Washington state average of $71,205.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.34/hr = $46,605/year (purchasing power: $43,394).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $77,676/year (purchasing power: $72,324).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.73/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Tacoma (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.83/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.77/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 Tacoma grew 25.2% from $28.73/hr (2019) to $35.97/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.77/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 Tacoma 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 Tacoma
Several dynamics influence hourly earnings for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics in Tacoma. For those working part-time, committing to 24 hours a week can still yield an annual income between $29,223 and $64,014, which illustrates substantial earnings even outside of full-time employment. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Tacoma can range from $80 to $150 daily on top of an hourly base of $30 to $55. Various employers such as residential service companies, commercial contractors, and refrigeration specialty firms offer different pay structures and benefits. Some individuals accept lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance and other benefits, while others prioritize higher rates without them, influenced by factors like skill level and local demand. Negotiating effectively is critical, especially in Tacoma's competitive market; understanding your worth and the nuances of your employer's compensation approach can greatly enhance your overall earnings.
More salary data for Tacoma, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Tacoma in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Tacoma?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Tacoma paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Tacoma?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Tacoma?
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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 Tacoma. 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 Tacoma 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