Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Lacey, WA: $35.86 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Lacey, WA runs $35.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,598 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Lacey's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.4, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,753 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lacey, Washington, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a median of $35.86, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive rate provides a solid foundation for both full-time and part-time workers. For those who prefer part-time work, such as a schedule of three days a week, the pay translates into a steady income while accommodating personal schedules. The hourly range varies, with entry-level positions earning around $24.61, moving up to $55.59 for top earners. The hourly compensation reflects the unique service environments these professionals operate in, such as residential service routes and commercial HVAC projects involving rooftop units and refrigeration systems.
About the Lacey Market
Salary estimated from Washington average ($70,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $24.61 | $196.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.98 | $231.81 |
| Median (P50) | $35.86 | $286.88 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.34 | $354.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.59 | $444.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lacey
Based on $35.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.86/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lacey, WA can expect to earn approximately $74,588 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,031. With a cost-of-living index of 107.40 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Lacey.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lacey
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,434.38 | $6,216 | $74,588 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $860.63 | $3,729 | $44,753 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $573.75 | $2,486 | $29,835 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Lacey) | $35.86 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Auto Service Technician (National Avg) | $24.83 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Lacey, WA earn a median of $74,598 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.97% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 4.80% above the Washington state average of $71,181.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.86/hr = $44,753/year (purchasing power: $41,669).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,588/year (purchasing power: $69,448).
CoL index: 107.4 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.86/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Lacey (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.44/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.49/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.23/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lacey grew 25.2% from $27.59/hr (2019) to $34.54/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.23/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Lacey 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.
Working as an Hourly Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer in Lacey
For part-time professionals, earning potential can significantly differ from full-time technicians. A 24-hour work week could yield around $44,122 annually, which may not match the financial benefits of a full-time role but provides flexibility. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Lacey for out-of-town projects often includes daily compensation of $80-$150 on top of an hourly base ranging from $30 to $55. Residential service technicians commonly receive minimum call fees between $90 and $180. Various employment types create differing pay structures; for instance, residential service companies may offer commission opportunities, while self-employed contractors can achieve effective rates between $90 and $160 during peak seasons. Technicians must weigh options between higher hourly wages without benefits against slightly lower rates with health insurance. Negotiation is key for hourly workers in Lacey; expressing skill certifications, particularly EPA Section 608 and industry experiences like NATE certification, can significantly boost leverage in discussions over pay rates.
More salary data for Lacey, WA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lacey in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Lacey?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lacey paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Lacey?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Lacey?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Washington
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lacey. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Lacey 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