Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Carson, CA: $67,383 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Carson, CA earns a median $67,383/year (≈ $32.39/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Carson's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $59,578 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Carson reaches a projected median of $67,383, which surpasses the national median of $60,174 by nearly 12%. This competitive local figure can prompt increased hiring as the demand for skilled technicians rises, particularly due to the growing adoption of heat pumps and enhanced tax credits under the IRA. The salary range in Carson stretches from $46,093 at the 10th percentile to $104,444 at the 90th percentile, reflecting diverse opportunities based on skill levels and specialization. These estimates, derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost parameters, indicate a vibrant employment landscape, especially as manufacturers and contractors seek qualified mechanics amid the ongoing industry evolution.
About the Carson Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,093 | $22.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,301 | $26.11 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,383 | $32.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,107 | $39.96 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $104,444 | $50.22 |
Median Salary Position
11.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carson
In Carson, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,351 (2026 est.). At $67,383, the local median is 11.98% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carson: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carson Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Carson median: $67,383/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carson Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,759 | -2.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +11.98% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Carson, CA earn a median of $67,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.98% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.00% below the California state average of $68,759.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carson has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carson, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,383 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,578 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,840
2025 BLS Actual
$64,904
2026 Current Est.
$67,383
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Carson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,840 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,819 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,734 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,670 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,957 | Actual |
| 2024 | $75,374 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,904 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,383 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,957 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carson metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $51,840 (2019) to $64,904 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,957 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,117 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carson 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) | $46,093 – $54,301 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,301 – $67,383 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,383 – $83,107 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,107 – $104,444 |
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 Carson
The job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carson currently employs 21 licensed professionals, highlighting a niche but significant local demand. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the take-home purchasing power for technicians can feel somewhat pressured, though earnings generally provide a comfortable living relative to the cost of everyday expenses. Among local employers, commercial HVAC contractors and larger refrigeration specialty companies tend to offer the highest salaries, taking into account the specialized skills needed for industrial settings versus residential service roles. The disparity in pay often reflects the complexity and technical requirements of tasks, with commercial work often providing more consistent salaries as opposed to commission-driven residential service roles. To maximize pay in the Carson market, professionals should consider obtaining brand-specific certifications like NATE or pursuing further specialization in high-demand areas such as data center HVAC systems or advanced refrigerant technologies.
More salary data for Carson, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Carson, CA in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Carson?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Carson?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Carson?
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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 $64,904 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Carson 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 Carson 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