Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Forest Grove, OR: $58,355 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Forest Grove, OR earns a median $58,355/year (≈ $28.05/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Forest Grove's price level (3% above national, BEA RPP 102.6), that paycheck buys what $56,876 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.4% below the Oregon state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Forest Grove, Oregon, is projected to reach a median of $58,355. This figure is slightly below the national median of $60,174, reflecting a competitive local market that influences pay structures. The salary range for professionals in this field varies significantly, with entry-level positions earning around $37,933 and experienced technicians in high-demand sectors making as much as $86,990. These estimates, derived from 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional cost factors, highlight a critical divide in compensation based on the nature of the work. Those focusing on commercial contracts, particularly with data centers, typically earn more than those serving residential clients, underscoring the importance of market specialization in determining pay.
About the Forest Grove Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,933 | $18.24 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $45,369 | $21.81 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $58,355 | $28.05 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $72,026 | $34.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $86,990 | $41.82 |
Median Salary Position
3.02% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Forest Grove
In Forest Grove, OR, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $49,057 (2026 est.). At $58,355, the local median is 3.02% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Forest Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Forest Grove Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Forest Grove median: $58,355/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Forest Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Oregon Average | $59,790 | -2.40% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -3.02% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Forest Grove, OR earn a median of $58,355 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.02% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.40% below the Oregon state average of $59,790.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Forest Grove has a cost of living 2.60% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Forest Grove, OR has a cost-of-living index of 102.6 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $58,355 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $56,876 — a 2.53% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$44,895
2025 BLS Actual
$56,208
2026 Current Est.
$58,355
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Forest Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,895 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,608 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,802 | Actual |
| 2022 | $47,345 | Actual |
| 2023 | $52,790 | Actual |
| 2024 | $68,116 | Actual |
| 2025 | $56,208 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $58,355 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $60,584 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Forest Grove metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $44,895 (2019) to $56,208 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $60,584 by 2027 — a total increase of $15,689 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Forest Grove 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) | $37,933 – $45,369 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $45,369 – $58,355 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $58,355 – $72,026 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $72,026 – $86,990 |
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 Forest Grove
Despite having only four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Forest Grove, the local market remains sturdy due to the rising demand for energy-efficient solutions, particularly with the heat pump surge linked to IRA tax credits. With a cost of living index of 102.6, professionals must consider how local living expenses will affect their take-home pay. Various employers offer competitive wages, notably large commercial HVAC contractors or specialized data center teams, which tend to pay the highest salaries and provide stability compared to residential service roles, where commissions can inflate earnings but come with pressure. The discrepancy in compensation can also be influenced by certifications such as EPA Section 608 and NATE, as well as a contractor’s licensing status. To maximize earnings, technicians should focus on acquiring brand-specific certifications and consider expanding into areas experiencing growth, such as commercial controls and precision cooling, aligning their skills with market demands in Forest Grove, OR.
More salary data for Forest Grove, OR:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Forest Grove, OR
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Forest Grove, OR
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Forest Grove, OR
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Forest Grove, OR in 2026?
Is Forest Grove, OR 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 Forest Grove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Forest Grove?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Forest Grove?
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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 $56,208 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Forest Grove 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 Forest Grove 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