Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in La Mirada, CA: $68,317 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in La Mirada, CA earns a median $68,317/year (≈ $32.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in La Mirada's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,404 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the estimated median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in La Mirada is projected to be $68,317, marking a notable increase compared to the national median of $60,174. With salaries ranging from $46,346 at the 10th percentile to $101,617 at the 90th percentile, professionals within this trade have the potential to earn significantly based on their skills and experience. These figures are drawn from 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026, and reflect the local context adjusted for regional costs of living. The rapid growth of heat pump technology and the possible IRA tax credit incentives are reshaping the hiring landscape in La Mirada, creating opportunities for skilled workers seeking careers in the HVAC field.
About the La Mirada Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,346 | $22.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,599 | $26.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,317 | $32.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,813 | $41.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $101,617 | $48.86 |
Median Salary Position
13.53% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in La Mirada
In La Mirada, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $55,271 (2026 est.). At $68,317, the local median is 13.53% above the national median of $60,174.
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How La Mirada Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
La Mirada median: $68,317/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | La Mirada Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,729 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +13.53% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in La Mirada, CA earn a median of $68,317 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.53% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.60% below the California state average of $68,729.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
La Mirada has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
La Mirada, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,317 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,404 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,558
2025 BLS Actual
$65,803
2026 Current Est.
$68,317
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in La Mirada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,558 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,564 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,450 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,427 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,802 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,418 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,803 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,317 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,926 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the La Mirada metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $52,558 (2019) to $65,803 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,926 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,368 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the La Mirada 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) | $46,346 – $54,599 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,599 – $68,317 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,317 – $85,813 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,813 – $101,617 |
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 La Mirada
In La Mirada, the job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employs just 10 individuals, indicative of a tight labor pool amid an improving economic landscape. With a cost of living index of 113.1, the purchasing power of salaries in this area is slightly challenged compared to national averages, underscoring the importance of finding competitive wages. Among local employers, residential service companies, especially those in the Carrier and Trane networks, typically offer the highest pay due to the demand for skilled technicians who can meet heat pump installation needs. The salary disparity in La Mirada can largely be attributed to specialization in either residential or commercial HVAC service, differing commission structures, and the necessity of state contractor licensing for self-employed individuals. To maximize earning potential, professionals should focus on obtaining brand-specific certifications and gaining experience in high-demand areas like data center cooling. Developing a robust network and exploring contract work can further enhance financial rewards in this evolving market.
More salary data for La Mirada, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in La Mirada?
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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 $65,803 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the La Mirada 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 La Mirada 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