Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Vacaville, CA: $68,612 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Vacaville, CA earns a median $68,612/year (≈ $32.98/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Vacaville's price level (13% above national, BEA RPP 113.1), that paycheck buys what $60,665 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.2% below the California state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Vacaville, CA can expect a median annual salary of $68,612, which represents a 14.02% increase compared to the national median of $60,174. Salaries in this sector vary significantly, with a range from $45,806 at the bottom 10th percentile to $106,348 at the top 90th percentile. These figures are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for local cost considerations. The compensation landscape in Vacaville is influenced by the structural divide between commercial and residential service. Those working in commercial HVAC—often with higher technical demands—typically command better pay than their residential counterparts, setting the job market apart for specialized roles.
About the Vacaville Market
Salary estimated from California average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,806 | $22.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,590 | $26.25 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,612 | $32.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $87,822 | $42.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $106,348 | $51.13 |
Median Salary Position
14.02% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vacaville
In Vacaville, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,542 (2026 est.). At $68,612, the local median is 14.02% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vacaville: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vacaville Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Vacaville median: $68,612/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vacaville Pays |
|---|---|---|
| California Average | $68,749 | -0.20% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +14.02% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Vacaville, CA earn a median of $68,612 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.02% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.20% below the California state average of $68,749.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vacaville has a cost of living 13.10% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vacaville, CA has a cost-of-living index of 113.1 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,612 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,665 — 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
$52,785
2025 BLS Actual
$66,087
2026 Current Est.
$68,612
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Vacaville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,785 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,800 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,677 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,666 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,068 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,748 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,087 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,612 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,232 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vacaville metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $52,785 (2019) to $66,087 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,232 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,447 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vacaville 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) | $45,806 – $54,590 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,590 – $68,612 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,612 – $87,822 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $87,822 – $106,348 |
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 Vacaville
The local job market hosts around 15 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, reflecting both a niche sector and limited employment opportunities. With a cost of living index at 113.1, professionals in Vacaville must navigate housing and everyday expenses that are higher than the national average, impacting take-home pay and purchasing power. Top employers include large commercial HVAC contractors and data center facilities, which tend to offer higher remuneration compared to residential service companies. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to the specialization required in commercial roles, with areas like data center precision cooling and advanced systems controls demanding certifications and skills that can yield higher wages. Additionally, individuals looking to boost their earnings should consider obtaining relevant certifications such as NATE and adapting to market trends like the heat pump installation boom associated with the IRA tax credits. These strategies can enhance one’s value in the competitive Vacaville market.
More salary data for Vacaville, CA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Vacaville, CA in 2026?
Is Vacaville, 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 Vacaville?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Vacaville?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Vacaville?
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 $66,087 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Vacaville 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 Vacaville 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