Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mountlake Terrace, WA: $65,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Mountlake Terrace, WA earns a median $65,914/year (≈ $31.69/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Mountlake Terrace's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $61,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 7.4% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Mountlake Terrace is projected to be $65,914, reflecting a promising local market for skilled technicians. This figure positions Mountlake Terrace above the national average of $60,174, showcasing a 9.54% increase in pay. Local salaries range from $47,392 at the lowest to $98,729 at the highest end, indicating significant earning potential based on specialization and experience. The local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and the regional cost of living adjustments reflect a growing demand for HVAC professionals in a market increasingly divided between residential services and commercial operations, such as data centers. With the emphasis on efficiency and advanced systems in commercial settings, mechanics skilled in precision cooling and commercial controls may find themselves at a distinct advantage in terms of salary.
About the Mountlake Terrace Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $47,392 | $22.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,368 | $26.14 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $65,914 | $31.69 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,261 | $39.55 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $98,729 | $47.47 |
Median Salary Position
9.54% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mountlake Terrace
In Mountlake Terrace, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,337 (2026 est.). At $65,914, the local median is 9.54% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Mountlake Terrace: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mountlake Terrace Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Mountlake Terrace median: $65,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mountlake Terrace Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,182 | -7.40% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +9.54% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Mountlake Terrace, WA earn a median of $65,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.54% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 7.40% below the Washington state average of $71,182.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mountlake Terrace has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Mountlake Terrace, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $65,914 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $61,372 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$50,710
2025 BLS Actual
$63,489
2026 Current Est.
$65,914
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mountlake Terrace (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $50,710 | Actual |
| 2020 | $52,646 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,606 | Actual |
| 2022 | $53,478 | Actual |
| 2023 | $59,628 | Actual |
| 2024 | $69,598 | Actual |
| 2025 | $63,489 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $68,432 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mountlake Terrace metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $50,710 (2019) to $63,489 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $68,432 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,722 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mountlake Terrace 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) | $47,392 – $54,368 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,368 – $65,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $65,914 – $82,261 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,261 – $98,729 |
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 Mountlake Terrace
Mountlake Terrace’s job market features a tight-knit community of four professionals currently employed in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration sector, which suggests a localized demand for skilled workers. Living costs here are slightly above the national average, with a cost-of-living index of 107.4, meaning that while salaries are higher than the national median, take-home purchasing power may see constraints. For those seeking to maximize their earning potential, aligning with employers that focus on commercial HVAC solutions or specialty refrigeration can be beneficial, as these sectors often offer higher compensation. Additionally, exploring opportunities within larger data centers or seeking certifications like NATE or brand-specific credentials can improve job prospects and salary. The commission structures at residential service companies may also significantly boost pay for high-performing technicians, but these can come with added pressure. Strategies such as gaining a state HVAC contractor license for business ownership and investing in training on emerging refrigerants will further position professionals for success in Mountlake Terrace.
More salary data for Mountlake Terrace, WA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Mountlake Terrace, WA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mountlake Terrace, WA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mountlake Terrace, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mountlake Terrace, WA in 2026?
Is Mountlake Terrace, 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 Mountlake Terrace?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Mountlake Terrace?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Mountlake Terrace?
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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 $63,489 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Mountlake Terrace 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 Mountlake Terrace 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