Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Tumwater, WA: $36.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Tumwater, WA runs $36.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,904 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Tumwater's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,543 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In the realm of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Tumwater, Washington, the median hourly rate is projected to be $36.49 in 2026. This figure prominently exceeds the national average hourly rate of $28.93, highlighting the robust market for skilled HVAC professionals in the region. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to approximately $36,000 annually before taxes, making this a viable option for individuals balancing multiple responsibilities or pursuing further education. The hourly pay varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $23.72 per hour, while experienced technicians can command rates as high as $56.56 per hour in demanding roles, especially in specialty areas like commercial refrigeration or data center maintenance. This variances show that skilled mechanics have opportunities to earn considerably based on their experience, expertise, and the setting in which they operate—be it residential service calls or more complex commercial installations.
About the Tumwater 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) | $23.72 | $189.78 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.90 | $239.20 |
| Median (P50) | $36.49 | $291.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.37 | $354.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.56 | $452.49 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tumwater
Based on $36.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.49/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tumwater, WA can expect to earn approximately $75,905 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,791. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Tumwater.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tumwater
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,459.71 | $6,325 | $75,905 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $875.83 | $3,795 | $45,543 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $583.88 | $2,530 | $30,362 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Tumwater) | $36.49 |
| 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 Tumwater, WA earn a median of $75,904 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.14% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.60% above the Washington state average of $71,204.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.49/hr = $45,543/year (purchasing power: $42,405).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,905/year (purchasing power: $70,675).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.15/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.15/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.38/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.15/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.89/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 Tumwater grew 25.2% from $28.08/hr (2019) to $35.15/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.89/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 Tumwater 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 Tumwater
For those considering part-time work as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, it's crucial to understand potential earnings compared to full-time roles. A typical part-time schedule, covering around 24 hours weekly, can yield a stable income while keeping flexibility intact. Meanwhile, professionals engaging in per-diem work often find themselves earning robust daily rates in addition to their base hourly pay. Travel HVAC technicians may earn between $80 to $150 per day for expenses, stacking upon hourly wages of $30 to $55, making per diem options particularly lucrative. Furthermore, self-employed contractors in high-cost-of-living environments like Tumwater may effectively charge $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, capitalizing on demand driven by technological advancements such as heat pump installations linked to federal tax credits. The choice of employer also affects earning potential—residential service companies might offer lower initial rates but include benefits, while commercial contractors may provide more stability with occasional OT. Understanding these contextual dynamics can empower HVAC professionals to negotiate better rates and find the right balance between pay and benefits.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Tumwater paid hourly or salary?
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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 Tumwater. 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 Tumwater 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