HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Anchorage, AK: $40.59 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Anchorage, AK runs $40.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $84,446 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Anchorage's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.4, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $38.51 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $50,661 per year.

$84,446
Median Annual Salary
$40.59/hr
Hourly Rate
$57,274
Entry Level (P10)
$103,699
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

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

In Anchorage, Alaska, the median hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $40.59, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive hourly rate is a strong incentive for professionals considering part-time roles, as someone working three days a week can earn around $1,200 weekly, providing a solid income. The hourly wage range in Anchorage spans from $27.53 for entry-level positions to $49.85 for top earners, reflecting variations in skills, experience, and the specific settings in which they operate—be it residential service routes, commercial rooftop units, or industrial refrigeration systems. These figures are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, emphasizing the robust pay structure within the local HVAC sector.

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$27.53$220.26
Lower Range (P25)$34.55$276.41
Median (P50)$40.59$324.75
Upper Range (P75)$48.86$390.86
Top Earners (P90)$49.85$398.83

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Anchorage

Based on $40.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Anchorage earning $40.59/hr would make approximately $48,712 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $84,435 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$48,712Reduced (32 hr/wk)$64,950Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$84,435

At $40.59/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Anchorage, AK can expect to earn approximately $84,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $48,712. With a cost-of-living index of 105.42 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Anchorage.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$324.75
per 8hr shift
$1,623.74
per week
$7,036
per month
$84,435
per year

Schedule Comparison in Anchorage

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,623.74$7,036$84,435
Part-Time (24 hrs)$974.25$4,222$50,661
Per Diem (16 hrs)$649.50$2,814$33,774

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Anchorage)$40.59
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 Anchorage ($84,446) with Alaska average ($60,665) and the US national median ($60,174).Anchorage$84,446Alaska Avg$60,665+39.20%US National$60,174+40.34%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Anchorage, AK earn a median of $84,446 per year (2026 est.), which is 40.34% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 39.20% above the Alaska state average of $60,665.

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

Working 24h/week at $40.59/hr = $50,661/year (purchasing power: $48,056).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $84,435/year (purchasing power: $80,094).

CoL index: 105.42 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$33.43/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$39.10/hr

2026 Current Est.

$40.59/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+26.1%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Anchorage (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 Anchorage. Baseline $33.43/hr in 2025, projected to $42.14/hr by 2027.$26$32$38$44$502019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$33.43$36.66$29.03$35.27$38.17$46.45$39.10$40.59$42.14
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$33.43/hrActual
2020$36.66/hrActual
2021$29.03/hrActual
2022$35.27/hrActual
2023$38.17/hrActual
2024$46.45/hrActual
2025$39.10/hrActual
2026(current)$40.59/hrEstimated
2027$42.14/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 Anchorage grew 17.0% from $33.43/hr (2019) to $39.10/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.14/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 Anchorage 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 Anchorage

When examining work dynamics, part-time mechanics in Anchorage can expect to bring home a substantial income, though not on par with full-time counterparts. A technician working 24 hours a week could earn around $62,000 annually, which is appealing; however, it still falls short of what full-time roles typically generate. For per diem positions, especially on out-of-town projects, pay can be enticing, with rates between $80 and $150 a day plus an hourly wage ranging from $30 to $55. In contrast, residential service calls often start at $90, sometimes reaching up to $180, while self-employed contractors might clear between $90 and $160 per hour during peak seasons. The hourly pay often varies significantly across different employer types in Anchorage, with established residential companies offering structured commissions and potential benefits, while commercial contractors might provide steadier hours for technicians without the same commission pressures. It's essential for workers to weigh the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits when negotiating terms, particularly in a market where high pay can come without health insurance.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Anchorage is $40.59/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $27.53 at entry level (10th percentile) to $49.85 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 40.3% above 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 Anchorage?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Anchorage earns approximately $4,222/month, or $50,661/year at the median hourly rate of $40.59. 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 Anchorage paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Anchorage are paid hourly at a median rate of $40.59/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $84,435/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 Anchorage?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Anchorage earns approximately $84,435/year at the median hourly rate of $40.59. This is 40.3% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $103,697/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 Anchorage?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Anchorage sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $49.85/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 Anchorage. 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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