Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Burbank, CA: $67,907 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Burbank, CA earns a median $67,907/year (≈ $32.65/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Burbank's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,042 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Burbank, California, the 2026 projected median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $67,907, which reflects a competitive market especially influenced by the growing demand for heat pump installations spurred by IRA tax credits. The salary range for this occupation extends from $42,038 at the 10th percentile to $105,255 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant disparity in earnings that can arise from differences in specialization and experience. These figures represent estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost variations. With the current upward trend in energy-efficient technologies and a focus on HVAC systems that comply with evolving environmental standards, Burbank's job market is poised for continued growth in this sector.
About the Burbank Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,038 | $20.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,737 | $24.88 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,907 | $32.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,206 | $41.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,255 | $50.60 |
Median Salary Position
12.85% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Burbank
In Burbank, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,217 (2026 est.). At $67,907, the local median is 12.85% above the national median of $60,174.
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How Burbank Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Burbank median: $67,907/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Burbank Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,731 | -1.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +12.85% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Burbank, CA earn a median of $67,907 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.85% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.20% below the California state average of $68,731.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Burbank has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Burbank, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,907 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,042 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,243
2025 BLS Actual
$65,408
2026 Current Est.
$67,907
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Burbank (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,243 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,237 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,136 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,095 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,431 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,959 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,408 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,907 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,501 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Burbank metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $52,243 (2019) to $65,408 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,501 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,258 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Burbank 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $42,038 – $51,737 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,737 – $67,907 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,907 – $86,206 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,206 – $105,255 |
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 Burbank
Currently, 22 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Burbank, indicating a solid presence of professionals in this field. However, the cost-of-living index in Burbank stands at 113.1, which is above the national average, creating pressures on take-home income and purchasing power. Employers like commercial HVAC contractors, data centers, and large residential service franchises typically provide the highest compensation, with specialty roles in precision cooling and commercial controls potentially leading to greater earnings compared to residential service routes that often include commission structures. Factors such as specialty certifications, state licensing, and participation in incentive programs for high-demand services heavily influence pay disparities. For technicians looking to maximize their salaries in Burbank, pursuing advanced certifications, focusing on high-demand areas such as heat pumps, and seeking roles that offer commission can greatly enhance their earning potential in this competitive market.
More salary data for Burbank, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 $65,408 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Burbank 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 Burbank 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