Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Vancouver, WA: $64,780 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Vancouver, WA earns a median $64,780/year (≈ $31.15/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Vancouver's price level (7% above national, BEA RPP 107.4), that paycheck buys what $60,317 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.0% below the Washington state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In 2026, the projected median salary for professionals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Vancouver, Washington, is $64,780, which positions them slightly ahead of the national median of $60,174. This salary reflects a broad range that spans from $40,036 at the 10th percentile to $100,408 at the 90th percentile, indicating a healthy variability based on experience, specialization, and the nuances of the local job market. Estimates derived from BLS state-level data and regional price adjustments illustrate that Vancouver's compensation is competitive, affirming its status as a favorable locale for HVAC professionals. The ongoing demand for skilled technicians, particularly amid increased focus on energy-efficient heating and cooling systems, contributes to a dynamic employment landscape in the area.
About the Vancouver Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $40,036 | $19.25 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $51,553 | $24.78 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $64,780 | $31.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $82,918 | $39.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $100,408 | $48.28 |
Median Salary Position
7.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver
In Vancouver, WA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,372 (2026 est.). At $64,780, the local median is 7.65% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Vancouver: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Vancouver Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Vancouver median: $64,780/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Vancouver Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Washington Average | $71,186 | -9.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +7.65% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Vancouver, WA earn a median of $64,780 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.65% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 9.00% below the Washington state average of $71,186.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Vancouver has a cost of living 7.40% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Vancouver, WA has a cost-of-living index of 107.4 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $64,780 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $60,317 — a 6.89% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$49,837
2025 BLS Actual
$62,396
2026 Current Est.
$64,780
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Vancouver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $49,837 | Actual |
| 2020 | $51,739 | Actual |
| 2021 | $49,735 | Actual |
| 2022 | $52,557 | Actual |
| 2023 | $58,602 | Actual |
| 2024 | $76,421 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,396 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $64,780 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,254 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Vancouver metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $49,837 (2019) to $62,396 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $67,254 by 2027 — a total increase of $17,417 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver 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) | $40,036 – $51,553 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $51,553 – $64,780 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $64,780 – $82,918 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $82,918 – $100,408 |
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 Vancouver
In Vancouver, there are currently 37 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed, highlighting a localized yet steady demand for HVAC skills. While the cost-of-living index stands at 107.4, which is above the national average, this figure must be considered when assessing take-home purchasing power. Employers such as residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors are key players, often leading the market in compensation packages. Higher salaries tend to be associated with specialization areas—such as data center precision cooling and advanced commercial control systems—as well as lucrative commission structures prevalent in residential services. These commissions can significantly elevate total earnings, especially for those who excel in high-demand environments. Professionals aiming to maximize their earnings in this specific Vancouver market should prioritize obtaining state contractor licenses, pursue specialty certifications such as NATE, and consider the growing potential in heat pump installations while staying adaptable to evolving refrigerant technologies and associated training requirements.
More salary data for Vancouver, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Vancouver, WA in 2026?
Is Vancouver, 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 Vancouver?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Vancouver?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Vancouver?
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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 $62,396 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Vancouver 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 Vancouver 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