Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Milpitas, CA: $66,725 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Milpitas, CA earns a median $66,725/year (≈ $32.08/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Milpitas's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $58,996 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With a projected median annual salary of $66,725 in 2026, the HVAC sector in Milpitas, CA is set to experience solid growth, largely driven by the increasing demand for heat pump installations and related IRA tax credits. Salaries in this field can vary significantly, ranging from $44,609 at the lower end to $103,424 for top-tier professionals. These figures are derived from estimates based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost considerations. Milpitas' unique job market reflects both the broader trends in HVAC as well as local developments, with employers increasingly seeking skilled technicians equipped to handle the evolving landscape of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration.
About the Milpitas Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,609 | $21.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $52,995 | $25.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $66,725 | $32.08 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,409 | $41.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $103,424 | $49.72 |
Median Salary Position
10.89% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Milpitas
In Milpitas, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $58,815 (2026 est.). At $66,725, the local median is 10.89% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Milpitas: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Milpitas Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Milpitas median: $66,725/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Milpitas Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,789 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +10.89% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Milpitas, CA earn a median of $66,725 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.89% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.00% below the California state average of $68,789.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Milpitas has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Milpitas, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $66,725 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,996 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$51,334
2025 BLS Actual
$64,270
2026 Current Est.
$66,725
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Milpitas (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,334 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,293 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,228 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,136 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,362 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,637 | Actual |
| 2025 | $64,270 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $66,725 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $69,274 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Milpitas metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $51,334 (2019) to $64,270 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $69,274 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,940 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Milpitas 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) | $44,609 – $52,995 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $52,995 – $66,725 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $66,725 – $85,409 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,409 – $103,424 |
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 Milpitas
Currently, there are 16 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Milpitas, which reflects both a focused job market and specific hiring needs. Given the cost-of-living index of 113.1, salaries here are tailored to offset living expenses while providing reasonable take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, those in commercial HVAC and large data centers often pay higher salaries due to the demand for specialized skill sets, whereas residential service companies may adopt commission-based structures that can lead to variable earnings. Factors such as specialty training, brand-specific certifications, and the commission structure at residential firms play a significant role in determining salary levels. Those looking to maximize their earnings in this dynamic market should consider pursuing additional certifications, specializing in high-demand areas like data center precision cooling, and leveraging the opportunities created by the heat pump installation surge.
More salary data for Milpitas, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Milpitas, CA in 2026?
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Milpitas?
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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 $64,270 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Milpitas 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 Milpitas 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