Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Davis, CA: $66,540 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Davis, CA earns a median $66,540/year (≈ $31.99/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Davis's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $58,833 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Davis, California, are projected to earn a median annual salary of $66,540, significantly above the national median of $60,174. The salary range varies widely, with entry-level positions starting around $44,128 and experienced professionals potentially earning up to $102,418. This disparity reflects the changing landscape influenced by the heat pump installation boom and the new IRA tax credits. The increasing push for energy-efficient systems is reshaping hiring practices in the region, creating a robust demand for skilled technicians. Overall, Davis is experiencing growth in job opportunities for those in this field, aligning with broader market trends while adapting to local needs.
About the Davis Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,128 | $21.21 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,632 | $25.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,540 | $31.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,095 | $40.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,418 | $49.24 |
Median Salary Position
10.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Davis
In Davis, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,290 (2026 est.). At $66,540, the local median is 10.58% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Davis: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Davis Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Davis median: $66,540/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Davis Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,740 | -3.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +10.58% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Davis, CA earn a median of $66,540 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.58% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.20% below the California state average of $68,740.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Davis has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Davis, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,540 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,833 — a 11.58% reduction.
Compare Purchasing Power
Select a city to see how your salary compares after cost of living
Select a city above to compare purchasing power
2019 BLS Actual
$51,192
2025 BLS Actual
$64,092
2026 Current Est.
$66,540
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Davis (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,192 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,146 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,986 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,195 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,430 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,092 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,540 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,082 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Davis metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $51,192 (2019) to $64,092 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,082 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,890 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Davis 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) | $44,128 – $52,632 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,632 – $66,540 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,540 – $85,095 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,095 – $102,418 |
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 Davis
The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Davis features around 14 active professionals. The cost-of-living index stands at 113.1, indicating that while salaries may be competitive locally, the expenses can be higher than the national average, affecting take-home purchasing power. Among employers, larger commercial HVAC contractors and specialized refrigeration companies tend to offer the highest wages due to the nature of their work that often requires advanced skills and certifications. The gap in pay can be attributed to operational demands; for instance, technicians working in data centers require precise cooling systems and often earn salaries rather than commissions, unlike those in residential services who may earn more with a spiff structure. For those looking to maximize earnings in the Davis market, pursuing brand-specific certifications such as NATE and seeking roles with commercial contracts can be highly beneficial.
More salary data for Davis, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Davis, CA in 2026?
Is Davis, CA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Davis?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Davis?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Davis?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in California
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 $64,092 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Davis 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 Davis 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