HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pittsburg, CA: $69,132 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Pittsburg, CA earns a median $69,132/year (≈ $33.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Pittsburg's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $61,125 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.5% above the California state average.

$69,132
Median Annual Salary
$33.23/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$44,316
Entry Level (P10)
$107,154
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pittsburg, CA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Pittsburg, CA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Pittsburg, CA, is projected to be $69,132 annually. This figure represents a notable increase compared to the national median of $60,174, positioning local professionals approximately 14.89% ahead of the national average. The salary range for these positions varies significantly, from a lower threshold of $44,316 at the 10th percentile to a peak at $107,154 for those at the 90th percentile. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional cost adjustments reveal that many local mechanics and installers can secure a competitive wage given the area's demand for skilled labor. This positions Pittsburg favorably for job seekers in the HVAC field, indicating robust opportunities for those with the right qualifications and experience.

About the Pittsburg Market

Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$44,316$21.30
Lower Range (P25)$53,693$25.81
Median (P50)(typical)$69,132$33.23
Upper Range (P75)$87,394$42.02
Top Earners (P90)$107,154$51.52

Median Salary Position

$44,316$107,154
City Median: $69,132
National: $60,174
P10–P90 Range

14.89% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pittsburg

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Pittsburg. The median salary is $69,132, compared to the national median of $60,174.$39.9K$58.0K$76.2K$94.4K$112.5K$44.3K10th Pctl$53.7K25th Pctl$69.1KMedian$87.4K75th Pctl$107.2K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

In Pittsburg, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,838 (2026 est.). At $69,132, the local median is 14.89% above the national median of $60,174.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Pittsburg metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,329
per week
$5,760
per month
$69,124
per year

At 40 hours/week in Pittsburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Pittsburg Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares

Pittsburg median: $69,132/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryPittsburg Pays
California Average$68,788+0.50% more
National Average$60,174+14.89% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Pittsburg ($69,132) with California average ($68,788) and the US national median ($60,174).Pittsburg$69,132California Avg$68,788+0.50%US National$60,174+14.89%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Pittsburg, CA earn a median of $69,132 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.89% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.50% above the California state average of $68,788.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$69,132
Nominal Salary
113.1
CoL Index
$61,125
Adjusted Salary

Pittsburg has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $69,132. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 113.1, the purchasing-power equivalent is $61,125, a loss of $8,007.$51.1K$58.2K$65.3K$72.4K$79.5K$69,132NominalSalary$61,125CoL Adjusted(CoL: 113.1) -11.58%US Median $60.2K

Pittsburg, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,132 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,125 — a 11.58% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$53,185

2025 BLS Actual

$66,588

2026 Current Est.

$69,132

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pittsburg (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Pittsburg. Baseline $53,185 in 2025, projected to $71,772 by 2027.$48.2K$56.7K$65.2K$73.7K$82.2K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$53.2K$55.2K$53.1K$56.1K$62.5K$77.3K$66.6K$69.1K$71.8K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$53,185Actual
2020$55,215Actual
2021$53,076Actual
2022$56,088Actual
2023$62,539Actual
2024$77,330Actual
2025$66,588Actual
2026(current)$69,132Estimated
2027$71,772Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pittsburg metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,185 (2019) to $66,588 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,772 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,587 (34.95%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pittsburg metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$44,316$53,693
3-5 years (Mid Career)$53,693$69,132
5+ years (Experienced)$69,132$87,394
10+ years (Top Earner)$87,394$107,154

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 Pittsburg

With 19 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers currently employed in Pittsburg, the job market shows a slight but steady growth rate of 3.82% annually. However, the cost of living index sits at 113.1, above the national average, impacting overall purchasing power for those in the industry. Employers that tend to offer the highest pay include established residential service companies like Carrier dealers and ART franchises, which often provide performance-based incentives. Specialty areas, such as commercial HVAC and data center operations, also typically offer higher salaries because of the increased technical requirements and responsibilities. The spread between salaries in this field is influenced by factors like specialization in commercial controls versus residential service, the commission structures common in residential companies, and potential bonus opportunities linked to heat pump installations spurred by current growth tax credits. For those looking to maximize their earnings in Pittsburg, gaining state contractor licenses, pursuing brand-specific certifications, and maintaining an active presence in continuing education through organizations like ACCA can prove beneficial.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Pittsburg, CA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Pittsburg is $69,132/year ($33.23/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Salaries range from $44,316 at entry level (10th percentile) to $107,154 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Pittsburg at 14.9% above the national median. Full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Pittsburg, CA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Pittsburg heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries are 14.9% above the national average and 0.5% above the California state average. The metro area employs approximately 19 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index of 113.1, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Pittsburg?

The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Pittsburg is $69,132, and the 90th percentile earns $107,154. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Pittsburg?

After adjusting for Pittsburg's cost-of-living index of 113.1 (where 100 equals the national average), the $69,132 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $61,125 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Pittsburg reduce the effective value of your salary by 11.6% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Pittsburg?

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pittsburg earn a median hourly rate of $33.23, which translates to approximately $69,132/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $21.30 for entry-level positions to $51.52 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 $66,588 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Pittsburg 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 Pittsburg is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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