HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Florence, AL: $22.07 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Florence, AL runs $22.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,922 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Florence's regional price level (BEA RPP 84.8, 15% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.02 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,546 per year.

$45,922
Median Annual Salary
$22.07/hr
Hourly Rate
$34,678
Entry Level (P10)
$60,933
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Florence, AL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Florence, AL heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Florence, Alabama, the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers averages $22.07, which falls short of the national median of $28.93. This figure can influence the financial decisions of part-time workers, particularly those on a typical schedule of three days a week. With this hourly rate, part-time technicians may earn approximately $1,410 weekly if they work full shifts, and they could take assignments in various settings such as residential service routes or commercial spaces. Entry-level technicians in Florence can expect to earn around $16.67 per hour, while those at the top of their game could see rates reaching as high as $29.29. These statistics reflect the official BLS hourly data projected for 2026.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$16.67$133.39
Lower Range (P25)$17.43$139.45
Median (P50)$22.07$176.58
Upper Range (P75)$27.42$219.35
Top Earners (P90)$29.29$234.30

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Florence

Based on $22.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Florence earning $22.07/hr would make approximately $26,487 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $45,910 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$26,487Reduced (32 hr/wk)$35,315Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$45,910

At $22.07/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Florence, AL can expect to earn approximately $45,910 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,487. With a cost-of-living index of 84.82 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Florence.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$176.58
per 8hr shift
$882.89
per week
$3,826
per month
$45,910
per year

Schedule Comparison in Florence

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$882.89$3,826$45,910
Part-Time (24 hrs)$529.73$2,296$27,546
Per Diem (16 hrs)$353.15$1,530$18,364

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Florence)$22.07
Electrician (National Avg)$31.97
Plumber (National Avg)$32.85
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Auto Service Technician (National Avg)$24.83
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Florence ($45,922) with Alabama average ($47,637) and the US national median ($60,174).Florence$45,922Alabama Avg$47,637-3.60%US National$60,174-23.68%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Florence, AL earn a median of $45,922 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.68% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.60% below the Alabama state average of $47,637.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $22.07/hr = $27,546/year (purchasing power: $32,477).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,910/year (purchasing power: $54,128).

CoL index: 84.817 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$17.04/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$21.26/hr

2026 Current Est.

$22.07/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.5%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Florence (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Florence. Baseline $17.04/hr in 2025, projected to $22.92/hr by 2027.$13$16$19$22$252019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$17.04$14.64$18.31$21.80$21.42$22.68$21.26$22.07$22.92
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$17.04/hrActual
2020$14.64/hrActual
2021$18.31/hrActual
2022$21.80/hrActual
2023$21.42/hrActual
2024$22.68/hrActual
2025$21.26/hrActual
2026(current)$22.07/hrEstimated
2027$22.92/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Florence grew 24.8% from $17.04/hr (2019) to $21.26/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.92/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Florence metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Florence

For professionals operating on a part-time basis, working only three days a week can yield different annual earning potential compared to full-time commitments. For instance, a technician putting in a total of 24 hours weekly may realize an income significantly below their full-time counterparts, demonstrating the trade-offs that part-time roles entail in terms of benefits vs. hourly pay. In the field, per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers may find lucrative opportunities—especially on out-of-town projects—where they can expect daily per-diem pay of $80 to $150 in addition to base pay ranging from $30 to $55 per hour. Varying employer types significantly impact hourly compensation as well, with residential companies like Trane Comfort Specialists and commercial HVAC contractors providing different structures, including commission-based models that can push some residential workers into higher earning brackets during peak seasons. While some may prioritize consistent hourly wages over benefits, practical negotiation skills can help all workers, regardless of their work arrangements, achieve a salary that reflects their experience and the local market conditions in Florence, AL.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Florence in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Florence is $22.07/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $16.67 at entry level (10th percentile) to $29.29 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 23.7% below the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Florence?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Florence earns approximately $2,296/month, or $27,546/year at the median hourly rate of $22.07. Many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Florence paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Florence are paid hourly at a median rate of $22.07/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $45,910/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Florence?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Florence earns approximately $45,910/year at the median hourly rate of $22.07. This is 23.7% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $60,918/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Florence?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Florence sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $29.29/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 Florence. 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

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