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Average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $74,330. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $62,480, indicating a strong local demand and potentially higher operational costs that drive compensation for these essential skilled trades.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $74,330 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 14.1% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $106,270.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 9,420 individuals, the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA metropolitan area demonstrates a substantial presence of HVAC professionals. The Location Quotient of 0.59 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the sheer volume of jobs and workers points to a stable and active market for these skilled technicians.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$74,330

The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA earns+19.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$35.7

Weekly

$1,429

Monthly

$6,194

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Career progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is typically marked by increasing earning potential. Entry-level positions may start closer to the lower end of the pay scale, while experienced technicians with specialized certifications and a proven track record can command salaries significantly above the average, reflecting their expertise and value to employers.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$46,510$22.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$55,748$26.8
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$64,820$31.2
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$92,913$44.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$106,270$51.1

Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$74,330

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$74,330

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $74,330 in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is higher than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is comparable to the national average, suggesting that the increased earnings are offset by the local cost of goods and services.

Job Market Context

9,420

Total Jobs

1.52

Per 1K Jobs

0.59

Location Quotient

Below Average

Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA has 0.59x the national average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

A Location Quotient of 0.59 indicates that the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area has a slightly lower concentration of HVAC Mechanics and Installers relative to the national average. This suggests that while the market is robust with 9,420 professionals, there might be opportunities for skilled individuals to enter the field, as the demand may be slightly outpacing the local supply compared to the rest of the country.

Nearby Job Markets

Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers

Comparing salaries near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA

Hiring Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?

The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is $74,330. This typically ranges from $46,510 for entry-level positions to $106,270 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 19.0% higher than the national median of $62,480.

Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?

Yes, it is a lucrative place.The average salary of $74,330 significantly exceeds the national average, and while the cost of living is at the national average, the higher nominal pay offers a strong financial standing for these professionals.

Is Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?

The Cost of Living Index in Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA?

Some top paying nearby cities include Riverside-San Bernardino-Ontario, CA ($69,190) and Oxnard-Thousand Oaks-Ventura, CA.

How does the local workforce size impact job availability for HVAC technicians in Los Angeles?

The substantial local workforce of 9,420 indicates a large pool of experienced professionals, suggesting a competitive but active job market with consistent demand for skilled HVAC technicians.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.59 mean for HVAC professionals in Los Angeles?

A Location Quotient below 1.0, like 0.59, suggests that HVAC jobs are less concentrated in Los Angeles compared to the national average, potentially indicating a slightly less saturated market relative to other professions.

How does the Cost of Living Index of 100 affect the value of an HVAC salary in Los Angeles?

A Cost of Living Index of 100 means that the expenses for goods and services in Los Angeles are on par with the national average. Therefore, the higher nominal salary of $74,330 translates to a purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What are the typical career paths for HVAC Mechanics and Installers in this region?

Career paths often involve starting in entry-level installation or maintenance roles, progressing to specialized repair, system design, or supervisory positions, with corresponding increases in salary and responsibility.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 9,420 employees in the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim, CA area with a job density of 1.52 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.