Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Arvada, CO: $62,634 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Arvada, CO earns a median $62,634/year (≈ $30.11/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Arvada's price level (5% above national, BEA RPP 105.0), that paycheck buys what $59,651 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% above the Colorado state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Arvada, Colorado, is projected to reach a median of $62,634. This figure reflects a robust local job market that pays competitively compared to the national median of $60,174, indicating an increase of 4.09% over national averages. The salary range spans from $42,554 at the 10th percentile to $96,780 at the 90th percentile. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments signify the strong demand in both commercial and residential sectors, although the pay scales can diverge significantly based on the nature of the work. Arvada’s market illustrates the ongoing evolution in HVAC roles, influenced by factors such as technological advancements and a shift toward energy-efficient systems.
About the Arvada Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $42,554 | $20.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $50,393 | $24.23 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $62,634 | $30.11 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $78,443 | $37.72 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $96,780 | $46.53 |
Median Salary Position
4.09% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Arvada
In Arvada, CO, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,226 (2026 est.). At $62,634, the local median is 4.09% above the national median of $60,174.
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How Arvada Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Arvada median: $62,634/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Arvada Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Colorado Average | $61,166 | +2.40% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +4.09% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Arvada, CO earn a median of $62,634 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.09% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.40% above the Colorado state average of $61,166.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Arvada has a cost of living 5.00% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Arvada, CO has a cost-of-living index of 105 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $62,634 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $59,651 — a 4.76% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,186
2025 BLS Actual
$60,329
2026 Current Est.
$62,634
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Arvada (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,186 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,025 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,087 | Actual |
| 2022 | $50,816 | Actual |
| 2023 | $56,660 | Actual |
| 2024 | $66,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,329 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,634 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,026 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Arvada metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $48,186 (2019) to $60,329 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,026 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,840 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Arvada 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) | $42,554 – $50,393 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $50,393 – $62,634 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $62,634 – $78,443 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $78,443 – $96,780 |
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 Arvada
Analyzing the broader context of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Arvada, CO, highlights the diverse opportunities available. Currently, 31 professionals are employed within this field in the area. The cost-of-living index of 105 suggests that while salaries are competitive, they must also accommodate the higher living expenses associated with the region. Top employers include commercial HVAC contractors and data center teams, typically offering higher compensation than residential service companies. The salary disparity is driven by various factors: commercial roles often provide more stable, salaried positions with less variability compared to commission-based earnings in the residential sector. Emerging trends like heat pump installations fueled by IRA tax credits are promising for future demand. To maximize earning potential, technicians should consider obtaining specific certifications such as NATE, diversifying their skills, and seeking out opportunities in commercial HVAC operations, where specialized knowledge in technologies like precision cooling can lead to greater financial rewards.
More salary data for Arvada, CO:
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 $60,329 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Arvada 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 Arvada 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