Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Federal Way, WA: $70,558 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Federal Way, WA earns a median $70,558/year (≈ $33.92/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Federal Way's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $65,696 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
With the increasing adoption of heat pumps catalyzed by the IRA tax credit, the local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Federal Way is projected to thrive. In 2026, the median annual salary is expected to reach $70,558, significantly above the national median of $60,174. Salaries in this field will range from $46,344 at the lower end (P10) to $109,365 at the upper end (P90), indicating a robust earning potential shaped by local demand. These estimates are based on BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments, highlighting a favorable environment for skilled technicians in the area. This growth trajectory aligns with industry trends, suggesting a healthy job outlook amidst escalating residential and commercial service needs.
About the Federal Way Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,344 | $22.28 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,561 | $26.71 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,558 | $33.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $89,852 | $43.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $109,365 | $52.57 |
Median Salary Position
17.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Federal Way
In Federal Way, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $63,021 (2026 est.). At $70,558, the local median is 17.26% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Federal Way: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Federal Way Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Federal Way median: $70,558/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Federal Way Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,199 | -0.90% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +17.26% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Federal Way, WA earn a median of $70,558 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.26% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.90% below the Washington state average of $71,199.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Federal Way has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Federal Way, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $70,558 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,696 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$54,283
2025 BLS Actual
$67,962
2026 Current Est.
$70,558
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Federal Way (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $54,283 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,355 | Actual |
| 2021 | $54,171 | Actual |
| 2022 | $57,246 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,829 | Actual |
| 2024 | $74,501 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,962 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,558 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $73,253 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Federal Way metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $54,283 (2019) to $67,962 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $73,253 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,970 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Federal Way 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) | $46,344 – $55,561 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,561 – $70,558 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,558 – $89,852 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $89,852 – $109,365 |
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 Federal Way
In Federal Way, 22 professionals are currently employed as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, underscoring a stable market presence. However, the cost of living in the region, represented by a cost-of-living index of 107.4, may impact the purchasing power of these salaries. High demand for specialized work, particularly in commercial HVAC and data center environments, often translates to more competitive pay structures. Employers such as Carrier dealers and ARS / Rescue Rooter are known to offer higher wages for skilled technicians, particularly those with state contractor licenses and brand-specific certifications like NATE. The salary variance is influenced by factors such as commission structures at residential service firms, which can lead technicians to earn significantly more based on performance and availability. To maximize earning potential in Federal Way's competitive market, technicians should pursue niche training and seek positions in high-demand areas, especially as the industry evolves with new refrigerants and technologies.
More salary data for Federal Way, WA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Federal Way, WA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Federal Way, WA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Federal Way, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Federal Way, WA in 2026?
Is Federal Way, WA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Federal Way?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Federal Way?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Federal Way?
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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 $67,962 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Federal Way 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 Federal Way 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