HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Mesa, AZ: $28.86 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Mesa, AZ runs $28.86 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,040 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Mesa's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.30 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,020 per year.

$60,040
Median Annual Salary
$28.86/hr
Hourly Rate
$39,590
Entry Level (P10)
$93,062
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Mesa, Arizona, the estimated median hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $28.86, slightly below the national average of $28.93. This rate positions professionals well within a competitive landscape, especially considering the variety of work environments available. Part-time or per-diem workers, who may find themselves on residential service routes, commercial building rooftops, or data center precision cooling systems, can expect to earn between $19.03 and $44.75 per hour based on experience and specialization. For technicians new to the field, starting at or below the entry-level range of $19.03 makes sense, while those with years of experience or specialization in high-demand areas can reach the upper echelons of pay, with top earners potentially making $44.75 per hour as they tackle complex systems such as supermarket refrigeration cases or self-employed contractor services.

About the Mesa Market

Salary estimated from Arizona average ($56,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$19.03$152.24
Lower Range (P25)$22.87$182.97
Median (P50)$28.86$230.90
Upper Range (P75)$36.71$293.69
Top Earners (P90)$44.75$357.97

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mesa

Based on $28.86/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Mesa earning $28.86/hr would make approximately $34,634 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $60,033 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$34,634Reduced (32 hr/wk)$46,179Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$60,033

At $28.86/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mesa, AZ can expect to earn approximately $60,033 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,634. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mesa.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$230.90
per 8hr shift
$1,154.48
per week
$5,003
per month
$60,033
per year

Schedule Comparison in Mesa

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,154.48$5,003$60,033
Part-Time (24 hrs)$692.69$3,002$36,020
Per Diem (16 hrs)$461.79$2,001$24,013

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Mesa)$28.86
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 Mesa ($60,040) with Arizona average ($56,482) and the US national median ($60,174).Mesa$60,040Arizona Avg$56,482+6.30%US National$60,174-0.22%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Mesa, AZ earn a median of $60,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.22% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.30% above the Arizona state average of $56,482.

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

Working 24h/week at $28.86/hr = $36,020/year (purchasing power: $36,568).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,033/year (purchasing power: $60,947).

CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$22.20/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$27.80/hr

2026 Current Est.

$28.86/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mesa (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 Mesa. Baseline $22.20/hr in 2025, projected to $29.96/hr by 2027.$21$23$26$29$322019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$22.20$23.05$22.16$23.42$26.11$28.50$27.80$28.86$29.96
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$22.20/hrActual
2020$23.05/hrActual
2021$22.16/hrActual
2022$23.42/hrActual
2023$26.11/hrActual
2024$28.50/hrActual
2025$27.80/hrActual
2026(current)$28.86/hrEstimated
2027$29.96/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 Mesa grew 25.2% from $22.20/hr (2019) to $27.80/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.96/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 Mesa 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 Mesa

Evaluating the earning potential for part-time workers reveals that a typical 24-hour workweek would yield a take-home income significantly different from full-time counterparts. For instance, those working three days a week may find their annual earnings to be substantially lower than full-time counterparts, who generally benefit from benefits such as health insurance. On the other hand, per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Mesa varies widely, with travel HVAC technicians earning between $30 and $55 per hour, supplemented by per diem amounts ranging from $80 to $150 per day when on out-of-town projects. Residential service companies in the area frequently pay minimums for service calls between $90 and $180, while self-employed specialists can command rates of $90-$160 per hour during peak seasons. This variance in rates across different employment types – from residential contractors like One Hour Heating & Air to commercial HVAC teams servicing schools and hospitals – highlights the trade-offs workers face, particularly between higher hourly wages and comprehensive benefits. Negotiating pay can also impact hourly earnings, encouraging technicians to consider additional factors such as job stability and benefits when weighing opportunities in Mesa's evolving HVAC market.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mesa is $28.86/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $19.03 at entry level (10th percentile) to $44.75 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.2% 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 Mesa?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Mesa earns approximately $3,002/month, or $36,020/year at the median hourly rate of $28.86. 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 Mesa paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mesa are paid hourly at a median rate of $28.86/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $60,033/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 Mesa?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Mesa earns approximately $60,033/year at the median hourly rate of $28.86. This is 0.2% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $93,073/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 Mesa?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mesa sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $44.75/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 Mesa. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Mesa is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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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