Salary distribution
Where District of Columbia heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $76,040 and $102,040, with a median of $83,390.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics pay by experience level in District of Columbia
Each band reflects DOL Wage Levels I-IV mapped onto a four-step ladder. Click a level to see the disclosed-wage range for that segment.
Wage trend
Median annual wage in District of Columbia over the past 2 BLS OES releases. Real values are CPI-adjusted to 2024 dollars.
Typical entry
Education
Postsecondary nondegree
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Long-term on-the-job training
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.7 / 5
Mechanical
Knowledge
- 4.2 / 5
Building and Construction
Knowledge
- 4.0 / 5
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge
- 3.9 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.6 / 5
Operations Monitoring
Technical
- 3.6 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.
- 02
Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.
- 03
Study blueprints, design specifications, or manufacturers' recommendations to ascertain the configuration of heating or cooling equipment components and to ensure the proper installation of components.
- 04
Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.
- 05
Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.
- 06
Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.
- 07
Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.
- 08
Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.
10-year outlook
Growth 2024 → 2034
+8.1%
Projected annual openings
—
BLS outlook
Growing faster than average
Source: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034 cycle.
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Explore coursesTop metros in District of Columbia
Metro-level salary data for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics in major District of Columbia metropolitan areas.
- Washington, D.C.$72,090
Compare Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics pay across nearby states
Frequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in District of Columbia?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment Statistics, the median annual wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in District of Columbia is $83,390.
- How does District of Columbia compare to the national median for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics?
- The District of Columbia median is +40.2% versus the BLS national figure of $59,480.
- What is the salary range for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in District of Columbia?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $49,400 and the 90th-percentile at $105,480, which captures most full-time workers in the role.
- Is Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics a growing field?
- BLS Employment Projections show employment growing by 8.1% over the projection cycle. See the 10-year outlook section above for details.
- What education is required for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as Postsecondary nondegree. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. Wage data reflects BLS estimates for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.