HVAC Tech Salary

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.

$64,780
Median Annual Salary
$31.15/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$40,036
Entry Level (P10)
$100,408
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Vancouver, WA — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Vancouver, WA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

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

PercentileAnnualHourly
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

$40,036$100,408
City Median: $64,780
National: $60,174
P10–P90 Range

7.65% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Vancouver

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Vancouver. The median salary is $64,780, compared to the national median of $60,174.$36.0K$53.4K$70.7K$88.1K$105.4K$40.0K10th Pctl$51.6K25th Pctl$64.8KMedian$82.9K75th Pctl$100.4K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

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.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Vancouver metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,246
per week
$5,399
per month
$64,784
per year

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 ToMedian SalaryVancouver Pays
Washington Average$71,186-9.00% less
National Average$60,174+7.65% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Vancouver ($64,780) with Washington average ($71,186) and the US national median ($60,174).Vancouver$64,780Washington Avg$71,186-9.00%US National$60,174+7.65%

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

$64,780
Nominal Salary
107.4
CoL Index
$60,317
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.

The nominal salary is $64,780. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 107.4, the purchasing-power equivalent is $60,317, a loss of $4,463.$51.1K$57.0K$62.8K$68.7K$74.5K$64,780NominalSalary$60,317CoL Adjusted(CoL: 107.4) -6.89%US Median $60.2K

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 (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Vancouver. Baseline $49,837 in 2025, projected to $67,254 by 2027.$44.4K$53.7K$63.1K$72.4K$81.8K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$49.8K$51.7K$49.7K$52.6K$58.6K$76.4K$62.4K$64.8K$67.3K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$49,837Actual
2020$51,739Actual
2021$49,735Actual
2022$52,557Actual
2023$58,602Actual
2024$76,421Actual
2025$62,396Actual
2026(current)$64,780Estimated
2027$67,254Projected

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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Vancouver metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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

ExperienceEstimated 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.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Vancouver, WA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Vancouver is $64,780/year ($31.15/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Salaries range from $40,036 at entry level (10th percentile) to $100,408 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Vancouver at 7.7% above the national median. Full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Vancouver, WA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Vancouver heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries are 7.7% above the national average and 9.0% below the Washington state average. The metro area employs approximately 37 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index of 107.4, you should factor in higher living costs when evaluating compensation. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Vancouver?

The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Vancouver is $64,780, and the 90th percentile earns $100,408. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Vancouver?

After adjusting for Vancouver's cost-of-living index of 107.4 (where 100 equals the national average), the $64,780 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $60,317 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Vancouver reduce the effective value of your salary by 6.9% compared to the national average — consider negotiating higher base pay or exploring nearby lower-cost metros.

How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Vancouver?

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Vancouver earn a median hourly rate of $31.15, which translates to approximately $64,780/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $19.25 for entry-level positions to $48.28 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

Related Pages

Nearby Cities in Washington

JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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).

View estimation methodology

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

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