Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Honolulu, HI: $72,568 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Honolulu, HI earns a median $72,568/year (≈ $34.88/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Honolulu's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $60,828 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.4% above the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, professionals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Honolulu are projected to earn a median annual salary of $72,568. This figure reflects a notable 20.60% increase over the national median for the same occupation, which stands at $60,174. Salary ranges indicate potential earnings from $44,338 at the 10th percentile to as much as $112,481 at the 90th percentile, illustrating a significant disparity based on experience and specialization. Factors such as work assignment—whether in residential service or commercial settings like data centers—can influence pay variations. Local estimates drawn from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities illustrate that HVAC technicians in Honolulu can expect competitive compensation, underscored by ongoing demand in a market shaped by technological advancements and an aging workforce.
About the Honolulu Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $44,338 | $21.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,813 | $26.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,568 | $34.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,887 | $44.65 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,481 | $54.08 |
Median Salary Position
20.60% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Honolulu
In Honolulu, HI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,143 (2026 est.). At $72,568, the local median is 20.6% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Honolulu: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Honolulu Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Honolulu median: $72,568/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Honolulu Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $68,203 | +6.40% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +20.60% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Honolulu, HI earn a median of $72,568 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.60% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.40% above the Hawaii state average of $68,203.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Honolulu has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Honolulu, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $72,568 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,828 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,829
2025 BLS Actual
$69,898
2026 Current Est.
$72,568
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Honolulu (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,829 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,960 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,714 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,877 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,648 | Actual |
| 2024 | $91,399 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,898 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,568 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,340 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Honolulu metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $55,829 (2019) to $69,898 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,340 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,511 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Honolulu 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) | $44,338 – $54,813 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,813 – $72,568 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,568 – $92,887 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,887 – $112,481 |
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 Honolulu
The local job market in Honolulu for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers reflects a considerable strength, with approximately 68 professionals currently employed in the field. However, the cost of living in the area, represented by a cost-of-living index of 119.3, indicates that despite higher salaries compared to national averages, purchasing power may be constrained. Employers that tend to offer the highest compensation include commercial HVAC contractors for industrial buildings and healthcare facilities, as well as major data center operations that require precision cooling systems. The salary spread can often be attributed to specialization, such as those involved in high-demand areas like heat pump installations, which are driven by recent tax incentives. To maximize earning potential within this competitive market, HVAC technicians should pursue certifications like NATE and ACCA, stay updated on industry advancements, and consider opportunities with commercial entities that offer structured pay rather than commission-based roles, which can introduce variability in earnings.
More salary data for Honolulu, HI:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Honolulu, HI in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Honolulu?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Honolulu?
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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 $69,898 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Honolulu 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 Honolulu 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