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METRO DATA PROFILE · 2024

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics salary in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia

Metro-level median, range, and employment from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area. Skills and task data from O*NET. State and national figures shown for context.

Adrian Serafin, founder and editor of RateOrchardBy Adrian SerafinFounderUpdated April 30, 2026
Median annual$72,090
Mean annual$71,640
Range (10th to 90th)$47,370 to $102,110
Washington, D.C., District of Columbia employment7,110
State vs national+21.2% vs national

Salary distribution

Where Washington, D.C. heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics fall on the wage curve.

Annual wage distribution

Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)

10TH$47,37025TH$56,500MEDIAN$72,09075TH$83,26090TH$102,110

The middle 50% of workers earn between $56,500 and $83,260, with a median of $72,090.

Typical entry

  • Education

    Postsecondary nondegree

  • Experience

    None

  • On-the-job training

    Long-term on-the-job training

Top skills (O*NET)

  • Mechanical

    Knowledge

    4.7 / 5
  • Building and Construction

    Knowledge

    4.2 / 5
  • Customer and Personal Service

    Knowledge

    4.0 / 5
  • Problem Sensitivity

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Near Vision

    Ability

    3.9 / 5
  • Deductive Reasoning

    Ability

    3.8 / 5
  • Operations Monitoring

    Technical

    3.6 / 5
  • Oral Comprehension

    Ability

    3.6 / 5

Common tasks (O*NET)

  1. 01

    Test electrical circuits or components for continuity, using electrical test equipment.

  2. 02

    Comply with all applicable standards, policies, or procedures, such as safety procedures or the maintenance of a clean work area.

  3. 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.

  4. 04

    Discuss heating or cooling system malfunctions with users to isolate problems or to verify that repairs corrected malfunctions.

  5. 05

    Connect heating or air conditioning equipment to fuel, water, or refrigerant source to form complete circuit.

  6. 06

    Adjust system controls to settings recommended by manufacturer to balance system.

  7. 07

    Recommend, develop, or perform preventive or general maintenance procedures, such as cleaning, power-washing, or vacuuming equipment, oiling parts, or changing filters.

  8. 08

    Inspect and test systems to verify system compliance with plans and specifications or to detect and locate malfunctions.

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Frequently asked questions

What is the median salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in Washington, D.C., District of Columbia?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area is $72,090.
Does Washington, D.C. pay more than the District of Columbia state average for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is -13.6% versus the District of Columbia state median of $83,390.
How does Washington, D.C. compare to the national median for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics?
The Washington, D.C. metro median is +21.2% versus the BLS national figure of $59,480.
What is the salary range for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in Washington, D.C.?
BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $47,370 and the 90th-percentile at $102,110 for the Washington, D.C. metro area.
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.
Disclaimer

Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Washington, D.C. CBSA boundary 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.