What hvac should charge in Washington.
Fair billed labor here runs about $58–$113/hour, about 24% above the median US state. Every number below comes from what HVAC mechanics and installers actually earn in Washington; the math is on this page, in the open.
How much should hvac charge in Washington?
In Washington, HVAC mechanics and installers earn $28.93–$45.18 per hour (median $36.38, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025), about 24% above the median US state for this trade. A legitimate business bills 2–2.5× wages to cover payroll taxes, insurance, equipment, overhead and profit, so fair billed labor in Washington runs about $58–$113 per hour. For example, ac or furnace tune-up is about $60–$225 in fair labor, before materials.
Fair price by job
AC or furnace tune-up
That assumes a seasonal service visit: coils, refrigerant check, safety test.
Typical labor: 1–2 hours at $58–$113/hr billed.
Common repair (capacitor, motor, board)
That assumes diagnosis plus a standard part swap.
Plus materials: parts vary from tens of dollars (capacitor) to a few hundred (blower motor). Ask for the part name and price separately.
Typical labor: 1–3 hours at $58–$113/hr billed.
Full AC replacement (~3 ton)
That assumes a like-for-like condenser and coil swap with line set flush.
Plus materials: equipment dominates this bid; get the exact model numbers and compare bids on the same equipment.
Typical labor: 16–24 hours at $58–$113/hr billed.
Before you hire in Washington
Contractors register with L&I; the "Verify" tool shows bond, insurance and lawsuits against the bond. One of the best lookup tools in the country — use it.
How to verify a Washington license · how to get comparable bids · track your quotes side by side (free, no account).
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Other fair price checks in Washington
Compare hvac rates across all states · all fair price checks