Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Ontario, CA: $64,273 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Ontario, CA earns a median $64,273/year (≈ $30.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Ontario's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $56,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.5% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ontario, CA, anticipate a median annual salary of $64,273, reflecting a competitive edge compared to the national median of $60,174. This local salary range stretches from $40,434 at the 10th percentile to $99,623 at the 90th percentile, revealing significant earning potential that can be influenced by various factors such as specialization and employer type. Estimates for these figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional price parities, making them particularly relevant in a market where the demand for HVAC services continues to grow, thanks in part to the rising popularity of heat pumps and incentives like the IRA tax credit. With such shifts reshaping hiring practices, those entering the field in Ontario can expect robust opportunities.
About the Ontario Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,434 | $19.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $49,262 | $23.68 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,273 | $30.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $81,892 | $39.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $99,623 | $47.89 |
Median Salary Position
6.81% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ontario
In Ontario, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,189 (2026 est.). At $64,273, the local median is 6.81% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ontario: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ontario Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Ontario median: $64,273/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ontario Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,741 | -6.50% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +6.81% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Ontario, CA earn a median of $64,273 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.81% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.50% below the California state average of $68,741.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ontario has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ontario, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,273 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,828 — 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
$49,447
2025 BLS Actual
$61,908
2026 Current Est.
$64,273
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ontario (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,447 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,335 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,346 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,146 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,143 | Actual |
| 2024 | $78,724 | Actual |
| 2025 | $61,908 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,273 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $66,728 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ontario metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $49,447 (2019) to $61,908 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $66,728 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,281 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ontario 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) | $40,434 – $49,262 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $49,262 – $64,273 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,273 – $81,892 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $81,892 – $99,623 |
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 Ontario
The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is relatively stable, with 42 individuals currently employed in the area. However, candidates should be mindful of the cost of living index, which stands at 113.1, indicating that living expenses are higher than the national average. While residential service companies like Carrier dealers and multi-location franchises may offer attractive pay structures, the variation in salary can be stark due to differences in commission structures, specialization in commercial versus residential work, and the necessity of state contractor licensing for higher-paying jobs. Technicians engaging in precision cooling for data centers or offering specialized HVAC services stand to earn more, especially with increased demand driven by emerging technologies and regulatory changes. To maximize earning potential in Ontario, professionals should pursue specialized training, consider obtaining certifications such as NATE or brand-specific accreditations, and adapt to market shifts like the ongoing heat pump installation boom.
More salary data for Ontario, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Ontario, CA in 2026?
Is Ontario, 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 Ontario?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Ontario?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Ontario?
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 $61,908 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Ontario 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 Ontario 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