Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Kaneohe, HI: $67,770 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Kaneohe, HI earns a median $67,770/year (≈ $32.58/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Kaneohe's price level (19% above national, BEA RPP 119.3), that paycheck buys what $56,806 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Hawaii state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Kaneohe, HI, the 2026 median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $67,770, reflecting a competitive market compared to the national median of $60,174. With salaries ranging from $46,056 at the 10th percentile to $100,982 at the 90th percentile, there is significant potential for growth within the field. The figures, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data projected to 2026, suggest that local conditions and demand for skilled technicians can lead to favorable pay. Factors such as the local economy, the prevalence of commercial versus residential service work, and the impact of new technologies play critical roles in shaping the compensation landscape in Kaneohe.
About the Kaneohe Market
Salary estimated from Hawaii average ($72,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,056 | $22.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,169 | $26.04 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $67,770 | $32.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $83,621 | $40.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,982 | $48.55 |
Median Salary Position
12.62% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kaneohe
In Kaneohe, HI, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $54,926 (2026 est.). At $67,770, the local median is 12.62% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Kaneohe: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Kaneohe Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Kaneohe median: $67,770/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kaneohe Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Hawaii Average | $68,179 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +12.62% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Kaneohe, HI earn a median of $67,770 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.62% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.60% below the Hawaii state average of $68,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kaneohe has a cost of living 19.30% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kaneohe, HI has a cost-of-living index of 119.3 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $67,770 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,806 — a 16.18% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,137
2025 BLS Actual
$65,276
2026 Current Est.
$67,770
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Kaneohe (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,137 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,127 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,030 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,983 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,307 | Actual |
| 2024 | $85,355 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,276 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $67,770 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,358 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kaneohe metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $52,137 (2019) to $65,276 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,358 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,221 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kaneohe 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) | $46,056 – $54,169 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,169 – $67,770 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $67,770 – $83,621 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $83,621 – $100,982 |
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 Kaneohe
The local job market currently supports just five heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, indicating a niche but impactful presence in the area. The cost-of-living index sits at 119.3, signaling that expenses are above the national average, which can influence take-home pay and purchasing power for workers. Employers such as commercial HVAC contractors and large data center operations typically offer higher wages than residential service companies. The disparity in earnings is often driven by specialization, with roles in precision cooling for data centers commanding better pay due to the technical expertise required. Additionally, the demand for heat pump installations, spurred by the IRA tax credits, is reshaping both residential and commercial markets. For those seeking to maximize their pay in Kaneohe, focusing on acquiring state HVAC contractor licenses, certifications like NATE, and gaining experience in commercial applications can be effective strategies in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Kaneohe, HI:
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 $65,276 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Kaneohe 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 Kaneohe 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