Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pasadena, CA: $69,284 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Pasadena, CA earns a median $69,284/year (≈ $33.31/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Pasadena's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $61,259 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.8% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pasadena, California, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary is projected to reach a median annual figure of $69,284 in 2026. This reflects a robust compensation structure, particularly bolstered by residential service company commission structures that incentivize on-the-job sales and spiffs. The salary range for these professionals varies significantly, spanning from $45,325 at the 10th percentile to as high as $107,390 at the 90th percentile. Such figures are derived from BLS state-level data, incorporating adjustments for local cost-of-living factors. This nuanced market means that those who excel in client relations and technical sales can elevate their earnings considerably, illustrating the competitive nature of HVAC roles in Pasadena.
About the Pasadena Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,325 | $21.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,420 | $26.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,284 | $33.31 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,684 | $42.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,390 | $51.63 |
Median Salary Position
15.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pasadena
In Pasadena, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,065 (2026 est.). At $69,284, the local median is 15.14% above the national median of $60,174.
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How Pasadena Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Pasadena median: $69,284/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pasadena Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,734 | +0.80% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +15.14% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Pasadena, CA earn a median of $69,284 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.14% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.80% above the California state average of $68,734.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pasadena has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pasadena, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,284 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,259 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,303
2025 BLS Actual
$66,735
2026 Current Est.
$69,284
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pasadena (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,303 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,337 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,193 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,212 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,677 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,500 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,735 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,284 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,931 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pasadena metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,303 (2019) to $66,735 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,931 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,628 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pasadena 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) | $45,325 – $54,420 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,420 – $69,284 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,284 – $88,684 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,684 – $107,390 |
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 Pasadena
A local job market with 35 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers indicates a niche but steady demand for skilled professionals in Pasadena. Notably, the cost of living index stands at 113.1, which slightly increases the pressure on salaries to match living expenses. Employers like One Hour Heating & Air and ARS / Rescue Rooter often offer competitive wages, especially for those with specialized skills in commercial HVAC or data center operations. The pay disparity between lower and higher earners can be partly explained by the complexity of the job, with specialties in areas like data center precision cooling commanding higher rates. Furthermore, commissions and spiffs at residential service companies can create substantial earning potential, especially during peak residential demand driven by factors like IRA tax credits for heat pump installations. For those seeking to maximize earnings, honing skills in emerging technologies—such as advanced refrigerants—and obtaining certifications like NATE or a state contractor license can significantly enhance marketability and pay opportunities in this evolving Pasadena market.
More salary data for Pasadena, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $66,735 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Pasadena 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 Pasadena 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