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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mesa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.42/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.86/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.96/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 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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mesa 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 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.
More salary data for Mesa, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mesa in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mesa?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mesa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Mesa?
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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 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).
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