Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Renton, WA: $73,060 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Renton, WA earns a median $73,060/year (≈ $35.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Renton's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $68,026 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.6% above 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 Renton, Washington, is projected to reach a median of $73,060, significantly higher than the national median of $60,174. With a salary range from $46,246 at the 10th percentile to $113,022 at the 90th percentile, this profession showcases a robust earning potential within the local context. These estimates are derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlighting the unique market conditions in this area. It's notable that demand for skills varies based on whether the technician is working in commercial settings, such as data centers, or providing residential services, with commercial roles typically commanding higher pay due to the specialized nature of the work.
About the Renton Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,246 | $22.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,212 | $27.02 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,060 | $35.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $91,806 | $44.13 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,022 | $54.34 |
Median Salary Position
21.41% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Renton
In Renton, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,776 (2026 est.). At $73,060, the local median is 21.41% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Renton: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Renton Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Renton median: $73,060/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Renton Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,209 | +2.60% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +21.41% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Renton, WA earn a median of $73,060 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.41% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.60% above the Washington state average of $71,209.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Renton has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Renton, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $73,060 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $68,026 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,208
2025 BLS Actual
$70,372
2026 Current Est.
$73,060
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Renton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,208 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,353 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,092 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,276 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,093 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,144 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,372 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,060 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,851 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Renton metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $56,208 (2019) to $70,372 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,851 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,643 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Renton 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) | $46,246 – $56,212 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,212 – $73,060 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,060 – $91,806 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $91,806 – $113,022 |
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 Renton
The local job market currently employs 27 professionals in this field, reflecting a growing demand for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Renton. With a cost-of-living index sitting at 107.4, the increased living expenses must be taken into account when evaluating take-home pay. Major employers include commercial HVAC contractors, large data center operations, and residential service companies, with the former often offering more stable salaries compared to commission-heavy residential roles that can lead to fluctuating incomes. Factors such as specialty skills in data center precision cooling, compliance with state licensing, and the increasing push for heat pump installations due to IRA tax credits can drive earning potential higher. For those looking to maximize their compensation, obtaining brand-specific certifications, such as NATE and Carrier Distinguished Dealer status, along with exploring opportunities in the growing commercial sector, can provide a competitive edge in this evolving market.
More salary data for Renton, WA:
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 $70,372 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Renton 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 Renton 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