Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Tumwater, WA: $75,904 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Tumwater, WA earns a median $75,904/year (≈ $36.49/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Tumwater's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $70,674 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.6% above the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Tumwater, Washington, stands at $75,904, which represents a noteworthy 26.14% increase compared to the national median of $60,174. Salary ranges for this profession vary significantly, with the lowest earning around $49,350 at the 10th percentile, while the top 10% can command up to $117,651. These figures reflect local estimates based on BLS state-level data and adjustments for regional market conditions. In Tumwater's job market, a divide exists between those servicing commercial HVAC systems—often more lucrative—and those focusing on residential services, which may rely heavily on commission structures that can fluctuate depending on the season and demand.
About the Tumwater Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $49,350 | $23.72 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $62,194 | $29.90 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $75,904 | $36.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $92,287 | $44.37 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $117,651 | $56.56 |
Median Salary Position
26.14% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tumwater
In Tumwater, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $68,301 (2026 est.). At $75,904, the local median is 26.14% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Tumwater: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tumwater Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Tumwater median: $75,904/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tumwater Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,204 | +6.60% more |
| National Average | $60,174 | +26.14% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Tumwater, WA earn a median of $75,904 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.14% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.60% above the Washington state average of $71,204.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tumwater has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tumwater, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $75,904 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $70,674 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$58,395
2025 BLS Actual
$73,111
2026 Current Est.
$75,904
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Tumwater (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $58,395 | Actual |
| 2020 | $60,624 | Actual |
| 2021 | $58,275 | Actual |
| 2022 | $61,583 | Actual |
| 2023 | $68,665 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,593 | Actual |
| 2025 | $73,111 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $75,904 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $78,803 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tumwater metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $58,395 (2019) to $73,111 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $78,803 by 2027 — a total increase of $20,408 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tumwater 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) | $49,350 – $62,194 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $62,194 – $75,904 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $75,904 – $92,287 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $92,287 – $117,651 |
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 Tumwater
Currently, only six heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Tumwater, offering a tight-knit job sector that can benefit from targeted expertise. The local cost of living index stands at 107.4, which suggests that while salaries are competitive, they are slightly above the national average, affecting purchasing power. Among various employers, commercial HVAC contractors often provide the most competitive pay, especially for roles handling services at data centers and large industrial facilities. However, residential service companies can also yield high earnings, particularly for those skilled in heat pump installations, benefiting from recent tax incentives tied to energy efficiency. Specializing in areas like data center precision cooling or obtaining brand-specific certifications can also noticeably increase earning potential, making it advantageous for local technicians to focus on such skills. Establishing a strong portfolio of certifications and gaining experience with in-demand systems are essential strategies for maximizing pay in Tumwater's evolving HVAC market.
More salary data for Tumwater, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Tumwater?
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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 $73,111 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Tumwater 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 Tumwater 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