Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Washington: $74,906 (2026)
Quick Answer:Across Washington's 50 metropolitan areas, the average median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay sits at $74,906/year heading into 2026 — a figure projected from 2025 BLS OEWS wage data for SOC 49-9021. Because Washington sits at BEA RPP 107.4 (7% above the U.S. baseline), that statewide median translates to roughly $69,745 in nationally-comparable purchasing power. Highest-paying metros: Bellevue ($76,841), Seattle ($76,095), Tacoma ($74,826).
For those considering a career in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, Washington offers competitive salaries compared to national averages. In 2026, the average median salary in the state is projected to be $74,906, which is 24.5% higher than the national median of $60,174. Salary variation between cities can be significant; for example, Bellevue pays the highest at $79,776, while Wenatchee offers the lowest at $60,786, reflecting factors such as cost of living, demand for skilled labor, and regional economic conditions. In Washington, licensing requirements and scope of practice laws are crucial aspects to consider. The demand for skilled technicians is bolstered by the state's commitment to energy efficiency and the increasing need for HVAC systems in residential and commercial buildings. This sector is expected to experience a growth rate of 3.82% annually. With a total of 6,874 employed in this field, major metropolitan areas like Seattle, Tacoma, and Richland also reflect strong salary figures, offering $79,002, $77,684, and $76,178 respectively. Overall, the job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Washington is poised for steady growth, driven by ongoing industry advancements and increased infrastructure development.
Washington Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Range
Overall salary range in Washington: $37,321 (lowest entry-level) to $133,721 (highest top earner)
Washington vs National Average
Washington heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn 24.48% more than the national median (+$14,732/year difference).
Washington Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary Distribution (2026)
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer salaries in Washington range from $48,573 (entry-level, 10th percentile) to $117,049 (top earners, 90th percentile), with a median of $74,906. The Washington median is $14,732 above the US national median of $60,174. The average hourly rate is $36.01/hr. Approximately 6,874 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers are employed across 50 cities.
2019 BLS Actual
$58,623
2025 BLS Actual
$72,150
2026 Current Est.
$74,906
2019–2027 Growth
+32.7%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Washington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,623 | Actual |
| 2020 | $63,895 | Actual |
| 2021 | $59,121 | Actual |
| 2022 | $62,071 | Actual |
| 2023 | $70,051 | Actual |
| 2024 | $71,429 | Actual |
| 2025 | $72,150 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $74,906 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $77,768 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Washington metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 23.1% from $58,623 (2019) to $72,150 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $77,768 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,145 (32.66%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Washington 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 5 Highest Paying Cities in Washington
Lowest Paying Cities in Washington
| City | Median Salary |
|---|---|
| Wenatchee | $60,786 |
| Walla Walla | $61,673 |
| Spokane | $61,978 |
| Spokane Valley | $63,171 |
| Longview | $63,517 |
Best Value Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Washington
When adjusted for local cost of living, these Washington cities offer the most purchasing power for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers.
| City | Nominal Salary | CoL Index | Adjusted Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kennewick | $74,623 | 100.079 | $74,564 |
| Bellevue | $79,776 | 107.4 | $74,279 |
| Mount Vernon | $75,955 | 102.443 | $74,144 |
| Olympia | $75,214 | 103.67 | $72,551 |
| Tacoma | $77,684 | 107.4 | $72,331 |
Adjusted salary = nominal salary × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average. Lower index = lower cost of living.
Salary by Experience Level in Washington
| Experience Level | Estimated Annual |
|---|---|
| Entry Level (0-2 years) | $48,573 |
| Mid Career (3-7 years) | $74,906 |
| Experienced (7+ years) | $117,049 |
Estimates based on BLS percentile data averaged across Washington metro areas. Individual pay varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
All 50 Cities in Washington
| # | City | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Bellevue | $79,776 |
| 2 | Seattle | $79,002 |
| 3 | Tacoma | $77,684 |
| 4 | Richland | $76,178 |
| 5 | Mount Vernon | $75,955 |
| 6 | Tumwater | $75,904 |
| 7 | Olympia | $75,214 |
| 8 | Kennewick | $74,623 |
| 9 | Lacey | $74,598 |
| 10 | Bremerton | $73,627 |
| 11 | Renton | $73,060 |
| 12 | Everett | $72,353 |
| 13 | Marysville | $71,811 |
| 14 | Shoreline | $71,417 |
| 15 | Bellingham | $71,201 |
| 16 | Redmond | $71,134 |
| 17 | Kent | $71,076 |
| 18 | Kirkland | $70,960 |
| 19 | Burien | $70,870 |
| 20 | Federal Way | $70,558 |
| 21 | Des Moines | $70,543 |
| 22 | Auburn | $70,379 |
| 23 | Lakewood | $70,351 |
| 24 | Issaquah | $70,311 |
| 25 | Sammamish | $69,849 |
| 26 | University Place | $69,824 |
| 27 | SeaTac | $69,769 |
| 28 | Pasco | $69,471 |
| 29 | Edmonds | $69,045 |
| 30 | Lake Stevens | $68,863 |
| 31 | Lynnwood | $68,819 |
| 32 | Moses Lake | $68,686 |
| 33 | Bothell | $68,636 |
| 34 | Pullman | $68,332 |
| 35 | Puyallup | $68,178 |
| 36 | Ellensburg | $67,922 |
| 37 | Maple Valley | $67,736 |
| 38 | Camas | $67,565 |
| 39 | Oak Harbor | $67,280 |
| 40 | Kenmore | $66,846 |
| 41 | Covington | $66,840 |
| 42 | Mountlake Terrace | $65,914 |
| 43 | Tukwila | $65,813 |
| 44 | Yakima | $64,997 |
| 45 | Vancouver | $64,780 |
| 46 | Longview | $63,517 |
| 47 | Spokane Valley | $63,171 |
| 48 | Spokane | $61,978 |
| 49 | Walla Walla | $61,673 |
| 50 | Wenatchee | $60,786 |
More Washington Salary Data
Hourly Rates
Explore heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in Washington 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.
Compare Cities in Washington
View all comparisons →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 Washington in 2026?
What is the highest paying city for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Washington?
How does Washington 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 Washington?
How many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Washington?
Which Washington 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 Washington. State averages are employment-weighted across 50 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