HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Santa Rosa, CA: $78,420 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Santa Rosa, CA earns a median $78,420/year (≈ $37.71/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Santa Rosa's price level (8% above national, BEA RPP 107.8), that paycheck buys what $72,757 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.1% above the California state average.

$78,420
Median Annual Salary
$37.71/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$48,525
Entry Level (P10)
$120,919
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

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

In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Santa Rosa is projected to reach a median annual income of $78,420, significantly higher than the national median of $60,174. This rise is particularly influenced by the increasing demand for heat pump installations driven by IRA tax credits, which impact hiring necessity in the region. Salary ranges for local mechanics and installers extend from $48,525 at the 10th percentile up to $120,919 at the 90th percentile, reflecting varied expertise and certifications. The data presented is derived from official BLS OEWS surveys, highlighting local opportunities for skilled tradespeople to capitalize on the burgeoning HVAC market in Santa Rosa, CA.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$48,525$23.33
Lower Range (P25)$61,397$29.52
Median (P50)(typical)$78,420$37.71
Upper Range (P75)$97,958$47.09
Top Earners (P90)$120,919$58.13

Median Salary Position

$48,525$120,919
City Median: $78,420
National: $60,174
P10–P90 Range

30.32% above the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Santa Rosa

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Santa Rosa. The median salary is $78,420, compared to the national median of $60,174.$43.7K$64.5K$85.3K$106.1K$127.0K$48.5K10th Pctl$61.4K25th Pctl$78.4KMedian$98.0K75th Pctl$120.9K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

In Santa Rosa, CA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $72,394 (2026 est.). At $78,420, the local median is 30.32% 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 Santa Rosa metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$1,508
per week
$6,536
per month
$78,431
per year

At 40 hours/week in Santa Rosa: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Santa Rosa Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares

Santa Rosa median: $78,420/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalarySanta Rosa Pays
California Average$68,730+14.10% more
National Average$60,174+30.32% more
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Santa Rosa ($78,420) with California average ($68,730) and the US national median ($60,174).Santa Rosa$78,420California Avg$68,730+14.10%US National$60,174+30.32%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Santa Rosa, CA earn a median of $78,420 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.32% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 14.10% above the California state average of $68,730.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$78,420
Nominal Salary
107.784
CoL Index
$72,757
Adjusted Salary

Santa Rosa has a cost of living 7.78% above the national average.

Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $78,420. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 107.784, the purchasing-power equivalent is $72,757, a loss of $5,663.$51.1K$60.9K$70.7K$80.4K$90.2K$78,420NominalSalary$72,757CoL Adjusted(CoL: 107.784) -7.22%US Median $60.2K

Santa Rosa, CA has a cost-of-living index of 107.784 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $78,420 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $72,757 — a 7.22% reduction.

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2019 BLS Actual

$56,370

2025 BLS Actual

$75,535

2026 Current Est.

$78,420

2019–2027 Growth

+44.4%

Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Santa Rosa (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 Santa Rosa. Baseline $56,370 in 2025, projected to $81,416 by 2027.$47.6K$57.4K$67.3K$77.2K$87.1K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$56.4K$53.2K$60.6K$62.8K$63.3K$71.6K$75.5K$78.4K$81.4K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$56,370Actual
2020$53,210Actual
2021$60,620Actual
2022$62,810Actual
2023$63,250Actual
2024$71,580Actual
2025$75,535Actual
2026(current)$78,420Estimated
2027$81,416Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Santa Rosa metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 34.0% from $56,370 (2019) to $75,535 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $81,416 by 2027 — a total increase of $25,046 (44.43%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Santa Rosa 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)$48,525$61,397
3-5 years (Mid Career)$61,397$78,420
5+ years (Experienced)$78,420$97,958
10+ years (Top Earner)$97,958$120,919

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 Santa Rosa

The local job market for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers remains robust, with around 560 individuals currently employed in this sector. With a cost-of-living index of 107.784, the purchasing power of these salaries must be considered in relation to Santa Rosa's economic environment. The highest-paying employers are often residential service companies, with positions that involve commission structures that can push earnings significantly higher, especially in high-demand seasons. Conversely, commercial HVAC contractors and data center teams typically offer stable salaried positions with less variability. The disparity in pay is largely influenced by specializations, with those skilled in precision cooling for data centers or holding state contractor licenses often commanding higher wages. For those aiming to maximize their pay locally, pursuing brand-specific certifications such as NATE or potential contractors licensing, as well as focusing on the growing heat pump market, would be wise strategies in the competitive Santa Rosa CA market.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Santa Rosa, CA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Santa Rosa is $78,420/year ($37.71/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Salaries range from $48,525 at entry level (10th percentile) to $120,919 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Santa Rosa at 30.3% 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 Santa Rosa, CA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Santa Rosa heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries are 30.3% above the national average and 14.1% above the California state average. The metro area employs approximately 560 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index of 107.784, 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 Santa Rosa?

The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Santa Rosa is $78,420, and the 90th percentile earns $120,919. 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 Santa Rosa?

After adjusting for Santa Rosa's cost-of-living index of 107.784 (where 100 equals the national average), the $78,420 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $72,757 in an average-cost city. This means living costs in Santa Rosa reduce the effective value of your salary by 7.2% 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 Santa Rosa?

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Santa Rosa earn a median hourly rate of $37.71, which translates to approximately $78,420/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $23.33 for entry-level positions to $58.13 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.

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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 $75,535 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Santa Rosa 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

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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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