Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Spokane Valley, WA: $63,171 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Spokane Valley, WA earns a median $63,171/year (≈ $30.37/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Spokane Valley's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $58,818 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 11.3% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Spokane Valley, the projected median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is $63,171, representing a 4.98% increase from the national median of $60,174. The salary range varies significantly, spanning from $40,311 at the 10th percentile to $97,916 at the 90th percentile. These estimates reflect local conditions derived from BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional cost of living. The opportunity for higher earnings is often correlated with the type of work performed; those servicing commercial data centers may command higher pay compared to those focused on residential installations or repairs. This structural divide within the HVAC market in Spokane Valley has implications for job seekers aiming to maximize their earning potential.
About the Spokane Valley Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,311 | $19.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $48,849 | $23.48 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $63,171 | $30.37 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $80,859 | $38.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $97,916 | $47.07 |
Median Salary Position
4.98% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Spokane Valley
In Spokane Valley, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $57,605 (2026 est.). At $63,171, the local median is 4.98% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Spokane Valley: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Spokane Valley Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Spokane Valley median: $63,171/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Spokane Valley Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,219 | -11.30% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +4.98% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Spokane Valley, WA earn a median of $63,171 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.98% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 11.30% below the Washington state average of $71,219.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Spokane Valley has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Spokane Valley, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $63,171 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $58,818 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$48,600
2025 BLS Actual
$60,847
2026 Current Est.
$63,171
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Spokane Valley (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $48,600 | Actual |
| 2020 | $50,455 | Actual |
| 2021 | $48,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,253 | Actual |
| 2023 | $57,147 | Actual |
| 2024 | $77,393 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,847 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $63,171 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $65,585 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Spokane Valley metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $48,600 (2019) to $60,847 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $65,585 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,985 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Spokane Valley 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) | $40,311 – $48,849 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $48,849 – $63,171 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $63,171 – $80,859 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $80,859 – $97,916 |
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 Spokane Valley
The local employment landscape features 21 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, which suggests a targeted but steady job market. With a cost of living index of 107.4, taking home salary can vary based on purchasing power and expenses. The highest-paying opportunities typically arise within larger commercial contractors, such as those servicing hospitals or data centers, as well as manufacturer technical support roles with companies like Carrier or Trane. The differential between lower and upper pay scales can be attributed to various factors, including specialization in commercial controls or precision cooling for data centers, and incentives like commission structures that often lead residential techs to earn significantly more. To maximize pay in Spokane Valley, professionals should consider gaining certifications like NATE or contractor licensing, engaging in self-employed work, and focusing on in-demand skills like heat pump installation, thereby positioning themselves advantageously in the evolving landscape.
More salary data for Spokane Valley, WA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Spokane Valley, WA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Spokane Valley, WA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Spokane Valley, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Spokane Valley, WA in 2026?
Is Spokane Valley, 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 Spokane Valley?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Spokane Valley?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Spokane Valley?
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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 $60,847 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Spokane Valley 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 Spokane Valley 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