Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in District of Columbia: $70,934 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across District of Columbia's 1 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $70,934/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because District of Columbia sits at BEA RPP 117.0 (17% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $60,627 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Washington ($68,324).
In the District of Columbia, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect an average median salary of $70,934 in 2026, which reflects a significant 17.9% increase over the national median of $60,174. In fact, Washington is the only city listed, so there is no variation in salary within the area. The strong salary is supported by factors such as licensing requirements and state-specific regulations that demand a higher level of skill and expertise. With a projected annual growth rate of 3.82%, the job market for these professionals in D.C. is poised for steady expansion. The demand is driven by the local climate and a focus on energy efficiency, as well as the ongoing maintenance needs of both residential and commercial properties. The total employment for this role in the District is approximately 8,730, reflecting a solid labor force within this specialty. Those entering the field should be prepared for both the technical demands and the regulatory environment unique to the District, which can influence job opportunities and potential earnings.
District of Columbia Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in District of Columbia: $46,277 (lowest entry-level) to $103,738 (highest top earner)
District of Columbia vs National Average
District of Columbia heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 17.88% more than the national median (+$10,760/year difference).
District of Columbia Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in District of Columbia range from $46,277 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $103,738 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $70,934. The District of Columbia median is $10,760 above the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $34.10/hr. Approximately 8,730 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 1 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$60,240
2025 BLS Actual
$68,324
2026 Current Est.
$70,934
2019–2027 Growth
+22.3%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in District of Columbia (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $60,240 | Actual |
| 2020 | $62,750 | Actual |
| 2021 | $60,700 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,180 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,130 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,090 | Actual |
| 2025 | $68,324 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,934 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,644 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the District of Columbia metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 13.4% from $60,240 (2019) to $68,324 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,644 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,404 (22.25%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the District of Columbia 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.
Top 1 Highest Paying Cities in District of Columbia
Salary by Experience Level in District of Columbia
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $46,277 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $70,934 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $103,738 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across District of Columbia metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 1 Cities in District of Columbia
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Washington | $70,934 |
More District of Columbia Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in District of Columbia cities.
Entry Level
Starting salaries for new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Senior / Experienced
Top earner salaries for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
Explore More Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Data
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in District of Columbia in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in District of Columbia?
How does District of Columbia heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay compare to the national average?
What is the entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in District of Columbia?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in District of Columbia?
Which District of Columbia city offers the best value for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers?
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
Statewide 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. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to each metro area's reported salary to estimate current 2026 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation across District of Columbia. State averages are employment-weighted across 1 metro areas — larger metro areas with more heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installerscontribute proportionally more to the average, producing figures that better reflect typical compensation. Individual pay varies by city, employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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