HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Apple Valley, CA: $68,304 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Apple Valley, CA earns a median $68,304/year (≈ $32.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Apple Valley's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,393 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.7% below the California state average.

$68,304
Median Annual Salary
$32.84/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$42,735
Entry Level (P10)
$104,380
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Apple Valley, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Apple Valley, CA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, professionals in Apple Valley, CA engaged in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installation can anticipate a median annual salary of $68,304. This figure is notably higher than the national median of $60,174, reflecting the regional economic conditions and job market demand. Salary ranges widely, from $42,735 at the lower 10th percentile to $104,380 for those at the 90th percentile. These estimates are derived from BLS data projected for 2026, highlighting a significant disparity influenced by the split between commercial and residential service work. In Apple Valley's competitive environment, advancement opportunities remain strong, particularly for those positioned in commercial HVAC contracting and high-demand specialization, which can yield higher earning potential.

About the Apple Valley Market

Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$42,735$20.55
Lower Range (P25)$56,151$26.99
Median (P50)(typical)$68,304$32.84
Upper Range (P75)$85,456$41.08
Top Earners (P90)$104,380$50.19

Median Salary Position

$42,735$104,380
City Median: $68,304
National: $60,174
P10–P90 Range

13.51% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Apple Valley

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Apple Valley. The median salary is $68,304, compared to the national median of $60,174.$38.5K$56.2K$74.0K$91.8K$109.6K$42.7K10th Pctl$56.2K25th Pctl$68.3KMedian$85.5K75th Pctl$104.4K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

In Apple Valley, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $61,645 (2026 est.). At $68,304, the local median is 13.51% above the national median of $60,174.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Apple Valley metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,314
per week
$5,692
per month
$68,304
per year

At 40 hours/week in Apple Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Apple Valley Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares

Apple Valley median: $68,304/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryApple Valley Pays
California Average$68,786-0.70% less
National Average$60,174+13.51% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Apple Valley ($68,304) with California average ($68,786) and the US national median ($60,174).Apple Valley$68,304California Avg$68,786-0.70%US National$60,174+13.51%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Apple Valley, CA earn a median of $68,304 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.51% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.70% below the California state average of $68,786.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$68,304
Nominal Salary
113.1
CoL Index
$60,393
Adjusted Salary

Apple Valley has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $68,304. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing-power equivalent is $60,393, a loss of $7,911.$51.1K$58.0K$64.8K$71.7K$78.5K$68,304NominalSalary$60,393CoL Adjusted(CoL: 113.1) -11.58%US Median $60.2K

Apple Valley, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,304 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,393 — a 11.58% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$52,549

2025 BLS Actual

$65,791

2026 Current Est.

$68,304

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Apple Valley (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Apple Valley. Baseline $52,549 in 2025, projected to $70,913 by 2027.$47.6K$56.0K$64.4K$72.8K$81.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$52.5K$54.6K$52.4K$55.4K$61.8K$76.4K$65.8K$68.3K$70.9K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$52,549Actual
2020$54,554Actual
2021$52,441Actual
2022$55,417Actual
2023$61,790Actual
2024$76,404Actual
2025$65,791Actual
2026(current)$68,304Estimated
2027$70,913Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $52,549 (2019) to $65,791 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,913 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,364 (34.95%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Apple Valley metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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.

Salary by Experience Level

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$42,735$56,151
3-5 years (Mid Career)$56,151$68,304
5+ years (Experienced)$68,304$85,456
10+ years (Top Earner)$85,456$104,380

HACR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Job Market in Apple Valley

Examining the local job market, there are currently 19 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Apple Valley, offering a sense of stability amidst regional cost-of-living dynamics, illustrated by a cost of living index of 113.1. This suggests that, while salaries may be robust, the local purchasing power could be impacted by higher living expenses. Employers range from residential service companies to commercial contractors, with large data center operations typically offering more competitive salaries. The gap between lower and higher pay rates often stems from specialized skill sets, such as working with precision cooling systems, and the added incentives from commission-driven residential service roles. To maximize earnings potential in Apple Valley, technicians should consider obtaining relevant certifications like NATE and engaging in ongoing training, especially related to evolving technologies like heat pumps and energy-efficient systems. Such strategies can help technicians not just enhance their pay but also secure their positions in a dynamic job market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Apple Valley, CA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Apple Valley is $68,304/year ($32.84/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Salaries range from $42,735 at entry level (10th percentile) to $104,380 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Apple Valley at 13.5% above the national median. Full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Apple Valley, CA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Apple Valley heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries are 13.5% above the national average and 0.7% below the California state average. The metro area employs approximately 19 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Apple Valley?

The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Apple Valley is $68,304, and the 90th percentile earns $104,380. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Apple Valley?

After adjusting for Apple Valley's cost-of-living index of 113.1 (where 100 equals the national average), the $68,304 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $60,393 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Apple Valley reduce the effective value of your salary by 11.6% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Apple Valley?

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Apple Valley earn a median hourly rate of $32.84, which translates to approximately $68,304/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $20.55 for entry-level positions to $50.19 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

Methodology & Data Source

Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $65,791 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Apple Valley metropolitan area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Apple 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).

View estimation methodology

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

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