Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Anniston, AL: $22.65 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Anniston, AL runs $22.65 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,125 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Anniston's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.9, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.36 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,272 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Anniston, Alabama, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly wage of $22.65, which is significantly lower than the national median hourly rate of $28.93. This rate reflects both the local demand for HVAC services and the prevailing cost of living, which may influence job availability and worker satisfaction. For those working part-time, such as on a three-day-a-week schedule, this rate translates to an approximate weekly income of about $544. Entry-level workers can expect to earn around $16.54 per hour, while top earners find themselves making up to $30.78 per hour, showcasing the career growth potential based on experience and skill level. This data is derived from BLS estimates based on 2025 BLS data, projected to 2026.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $16.54 | $132.31 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.37 | $138.95 |
| Median (P50) | $22.65 | $181.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.82 | $214.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.78 | $246.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anniston
Based on $22.65/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.65/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anniston, AL can expect to earn approximately $47,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,184. With a cost-of-living index of 85.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Anniston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Anniston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $906.14 | $3,927 | $47,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $543.68 | $2,356 | $28,272 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $362.46 | $1,571 | $18,848 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Anniston) | $22.65 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Auto Service Technician (National Avg) | $24.83 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Anniston, AL earn a median of $47,125 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.69% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.10% below the Alabama state average of $47,649.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.65/hr = $28,272/year (purchasing power: $32,893).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,119/year (purchasing power: $54,822).
CoL index: 85.949 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.82/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.65/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+46.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Anniston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.65/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.52/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Anniston grew 35.5% from $16.10/hr (2019) to $21.82/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.52/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Anniston metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Working as an Hourly Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer in Anniston
In terms of annual earnings, a part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week can see a substantial difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Over a year, they could bring home an estimated income of roughly $21,300, contrasting with a full-time person making around $47,125 per annum. Some workers in this landscape also opt for per diem positions, earning $80 to $150 daily while taking on out-of-town projects, alongside base hourly rates between $30 and $55. It's noteworthy that different employer types in Anniston can influence hourly wages, with self-employed contractors often charging more, particularly in high-cost areas, with rates exceeding $90 per hour during peak seasons. Workers often face choices that pit higher hourly pay against benefits like health insurance, which can affect job satisfaction and financial security. For those contemplating negotiations, it's vital to research local pay scales and be prepared for discussions regarding work benefits and hourly rates specific to the varied sectors within the HVAC industry.
More salary data for Anniston, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Anniston in 2026?
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Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Anniston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Anniston?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Anniston. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov