Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area earn an impressive average annual salary of $69,510. This figure significantly surpasses the national average of $62,480, indicating a favorable compensation landscape for these skilled trades in the region. Local demand and the specific economic conditions of the Portland metropolitan area likely contribute to this elevated pay scale.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $69,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 18.9% ↗ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $100,850.
- Outlook: With a local workforce of 2,480 professionals, the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area demonstrates a substantial presence of HVAC mechanics and installers. The Location Quotient of 0.79 suggests that while the concentration is slightly below the national average, the absolute number of jobs indicates a robust and active market. The rate of 2.045 jobs per 1,000 workers further underscores consistent employment opportunities within this sector.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA earns+11.3%above the national average.
$33.4
$1,337
$5,793
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data is not provided, it is generally assumed that salaries for skilled trades like Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers have experienced steady growth over the past four years. This trend is often driven by increasing demand for climate control systems, evolving technologies, and the ongoing need for maintenance and repair services, leading to upward pressure on wages.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
Career progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers typically involves a significant salary increase from entry-level to senior positions. While specific percentile data isn't available, the gap between starting salaries and those earned by experienced professionals often widens considerably. This reflects the accumulation of specialized knowledge, advanced certifications, and a proven track record in handling complex installations and repairs.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $44,690 | $21.5 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $52,133 | $25.1 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $64,290 | $30.9 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $86,888 | $41.8 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $100,850 | $48.5 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$69,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$69,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The nominal average annual salary of $69,510 in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA aligns perfectly with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in this region is equivalent to that of their national counterparts, offering a stable financial outlook without the immediate pressure of higher living expenses.
Job Market Context
2,480
Total Jobs
2.045
Per 1K Jobs
0.79
Location Quotient
Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA has 0.79x 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 0.79 indicates that the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA metropolitan area has a slightly lower concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers compared to the national average. This suggests that while the market is not oversaturated, there is a steady demand for these professionals, potentially leading to competitive opportunities for skilled individuals entering or advancing within the field.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $69,510. This typically ranges from $44,690 for entry-level positions to $100,850 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 11.3% higher than the national median of $62,480.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
Yes, it offers above-average compensation.The average salary of $69,510 is notably higher than the national average, and the cost of living is on par with the national average, making it financially advantageous.
Is Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
Some top paying nearby cities include Salem, OR ($68,170) and Longview-Kelso, WA.
How does the Portland HVAC salary compare to the national average?
The average annual salary for HVAC professionals in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is $69,510, which is higher than the national average of $62,480.
What is the cost of living in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA for HVAC professionals?
The Cost of Living Index in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA is 100, which is exactly the national average, meaning the cost of goods and services is comparable nationwide.
How many HVAC jobs are there per 1,000 workers in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA?
There are approximately 2.045 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs per 1,000 workers in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area.
Is the HVAC job market in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA concentrated?
The Location Quotient of 0.79 indicates that the concentration of HVAC professionals is slightly below the national average, suggesting a balanced market with consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 2,480 employees in the Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA area with a job density of 2.045 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in Portland-Vancouver-Hillsboro, OR-WA