Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA: $69,695 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earns a median $69,695/year (≈ $33.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Rancho Cucamonga's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $61,622 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% above the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median annual salary of $69,695 in Rancho Cucamonga, CA, which surpasses the national average by 15.82%. This role typically offers a salary range from $42,699 at the lower end to $108,028 at the higher end, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in this growing market. These figures, derived from state-level data and adjusted for local economic conditions, showcase the potential for rewarding compensation in a field that is essential for residential and commercial climate control. The influence of spiffs and sales commissions in residential heating and cooling services often elevates earning potential, especially in a market abundant with homeowners seeking enhanced HVAC solutions.
About the Rancho Cucamonga Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,699 | $20.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,744 | $27.28 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,695 | $33.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,024 | $42.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,028 | $51.94 |
Median Salary Position
15.82% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Rancho Cucamonga
In Rancho Cucamonga, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $65,329 (2026 est.). At $69,695, the local median is 15.82% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Rancho Cucamonga: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Rancho Cucamonga Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Rancho Cucamonga median: $69,695/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Rancho Cucamonga Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,733 | +1.40% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +15.82% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Rancho Cucamonga, CA earn a median of $69,695 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.82% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% above the California state average of $68,733.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Rancho Cucamonga has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Rancho Cucamonga, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,695 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,622 — a 11.58% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,619
2025 BLS Actual
$67,131
2026 Current Est.
$69,695
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Rancho Cucamonga (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,619 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,666 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,509 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,546 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,049 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,960 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,131 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,695 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,358 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Rancho Cucamonga metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,619 (2019) to $67,131 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,358 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,739 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Rancho Cucamonga 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) | $42,699 – $56,744 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,744 – $69,695 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,695 – $88,024 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,024 – $108,028 |
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 Rancho Cucamonga
In Rancho Cucamonga, 46 skilled professionals work in this trade, contributing to a competitive job market amidst a cost-of-living index of 113.1, which indicates that living expenses are notably higher than the national average. Employers in the area, ranging from Carrier and Trane dealers to commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial buildings and hospitals, vary in pay structures, often rewarding technicians who specialize in high-demand areas like data center precision cooling or hold state contractor licenses for business ownership. While the average wage is promising, those who focus on developing specific certifications, like NATE or Carrier's distinctions, alongside engaging in commission-driven residential roles, can significantly boost their pay. Emphasizing specialties linked to the growth of heat pump technology and enhanced energy efficiency could also yield higher turnover in job offers and income potential, creating advantageous conditions for HVAC professionals in this dynamic market.
More salary data for Rancho Cucamonga, CA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Rancho Cucamonga, CA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Rancho Cucamonga, CA in 2026?
Is Rancho Cucamonga, 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 Rancho Cucamonga?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Rancho Cucamonga?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Rancho Cucamonga?
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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 $67,131 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Rancho Cucamonga 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 Rancho Cucamonga 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