Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in University Place, WA: $69,824 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in University Place, WA earns a median $69,824/year (≈ $33.57/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in University Place's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $65,013 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.9% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in University Place, Washington, earn a median annual salary of $69,824 in 2026, reflecting a strong regional demand for their skills. The salary range for this occupation spans from $45,904 at the 10th percentile to $108,227 at the 90th, demonstrating the variance in pay largely driven by the sector of employment. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional cost factors reveal that mechanics working in specialized sectors, such as data centers or commercial HVAC, typically command higher wages compared to those focused on residential services. This structural divide aligns with the broader market trends impacting job availability and compensation, ultimately indicating a competitive landscape for skilled technicians in University Place.
About the University Place Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $45,904 | $22.07 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $54,667 | $26.29 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,824 | $33.57 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,152 | $40.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $108,227 | $52.03 |
Median Salary Position
16.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in University Place
In University Place, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $62,323 (2026 est.). At $69,824, the local median is 16.04% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in University Place: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How University Place Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
University Place median: $69,824/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | University Place Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,176 | -1.90% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +16.04% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in University Place, WA earn a median of $69,824 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.04% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.90% below the Washington state average of $71,176.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
University Place has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
University Place, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $69,824 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $65,013 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,718
2025 BLS Actual
$67,255
2026 Current Est.
$69,824
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in University Place (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,718 | Actual |
| 2020 | $55,768 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,608 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,650 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,165 | Actual |
| 2024 | $73,727 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,255 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,824 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,491 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the University Place metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,718 (2019) to $67,255 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,491 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,773 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the University Place 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) | $45,904 – $54,667 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $54,667 – $69,824 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,824 – $85,152 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,152 – $108,227 |
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 University Place
As of 2026, there are currently six heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in University Place, WA, which indicates a limited but specialized local job market. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, technicians must be strategic about how their salaries translate into actual purchasing power in the area. Companies that tend to offer the highest salaries include commercial HVAC contractors and those servicing large scale industrial projects, such as hospitals and data centers. The pay disparity can often be attributed to the skills required for specialized positions and specific client expectations. For those looking to maximize their income, pursuing certifications such as EPA Section 608 and NATE, gaining experience in high-demand areas like heat pump installations linked to recent tax incentives, and considering self-employment opportunities may collectively enhance earning potential within this evolving field in University Place.
More salary data for University Place, WA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in University Place, WA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in University Place, WA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in University Place, WA
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in University Place, WA in 2026?
Is University Place, 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 University Place?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in University Place?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in University Place?
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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 $67,255 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the University Place 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 University Place 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