Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Pullman, WA: $68,332 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Pullman, WA earns a median $68,332/year (≈ $32.85/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Pullman's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $63,624 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 4.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Pullman, the projected median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is expected to reach $68,332 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $60,174 by approximately 13.56%. This local wage reflects a broad salary range from $48,125 at the 10th percentile to $105,915 at the 90th percentile, with higher earnings often tied to commission-based structures in residential service roles. These figures are based on estimates derived from 2025 BLS data adjusted for regional cost variations, highlighting Pullman's relatively attractive compensation in this field. Residents and technicians alike are benefiting from an increasing demand for skilled labor, driven by various economic factors such as the energy efficiency push and the transition to newer refrigerants.
About the Pullman Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,125 | $23.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $55,863 | $26.86 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $68,332 | $32.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $86,996 | $41.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $105,915 | $50.92 |
Median Salary Position
13.56% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Pullman
In Pullman, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,790 (2026 est.). At $68,332, the local median is 13.56% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Pullman: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Pullman Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Pullman median: $68,332/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Pullman Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,179 | -4.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +13.56% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Pullman, WA earn a median of $68,332 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.56% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 4.00% below the Washington state average of $71,179.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Pullman has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Pullman, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $68,332 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $63,624 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$52,570
2025 BLS Actual
$65,818
2026 Current Est.
$68,332
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pullman (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $52,570 | Actual |
| 2020 | $54,577 | Actual |
| 2021 | $52,462 | Actual |
| 2022 | $55,440 | Actual |
| 2023 | $61,816 | Actual |
| 2024 | $72,152 | Actual |
| 2025 | $65,818 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $68,332 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $70,943 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Pullman metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $52,570 (2019) to $65,818 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $70,943 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,373 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Pullman 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) | $48,125 – $55,863 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $55,863 – $68,332 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $68,332 – $86,996 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $86,996 – $105,915 |
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 Pullman
Currently, there are six mechanics and installers in Pullman, which contributes to a specialized job market. The local cost of living, reflected in a CoL index of 107.4, signals that while earnings may be higher than some national averages, the increased living costs can affect purchasing power. Notably, leading employers include commercial HVAC contractors and residential service companies, with the latter often providing higher pay through commission opportunities. The disparity in earnings can also result from the growing demand for specialized skills, such as knowledge of data center cooling systems or certifications like NATE and state contractor licensing. To maximize earning potential in Pullman WA, professionals should consider pursuing brand-specific training and certifications, capitalizing on the escalating interest in heat pump installations spurred by recent tax credits, as well as building relationships with local employers who prioritize both residential and commercial services.
More salary data for Pullman, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Pullman?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Pullman?
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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 $65,818 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Pullman 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 Pullman 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