Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Surprise, AZ: $27.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Surprise, AZ runs $27.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,383 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Surprise's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.52 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Surprise, AZ, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers averages $27.11, which is slightly below the national median of $28.93. This rate provides a reasonable income for technicians working in various settings, including residential service routes, commercial buildings, and data centers. The hourly pay ranges from $18.10 for entry-level positions to $42.02 for the most experienced technicians. For part-time workers, such as those committed to a 3-day workweek, this translates to approximately $416 weekly; part-timers may find this structure appealing for better work-life balance while still tapping into the lucrative demands of the industry. The diverse environments where these professionals operate contribute to variations in pay, with self-employed contractors potentially achieving even higher pay rates during peak seasonal demands.
About the Surprise 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) | $18.10 | $144.77 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.56 | $172.51 |
| Median (P50) | $27.11 | $216.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.70 | $277.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.02 | $336.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Surprise
Based on $27.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.11/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Surprise, AZ can expect to earn approximately $56,383 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,529. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Surprise.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Surprise
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,084.30 | $4,699 | $56,383 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.58 | $2,819 | $33,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.72 | $1,879 | $22,553 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Surprise) | $27.11 |
| 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 Surprise, AZ earn a median of $56,383 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.30% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.20% below the Arizona state average of $56,496.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.11/hr = $33,830/year (purchasing power: $34,345).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,383/year (purchasing power: $57,242).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Surprise (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.46/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.14/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 Surprise grew 25.2% from $20.85/hr (2019) to $26.11/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.14/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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Surprise 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 Surprise
When considering part-time earnings versus full-time responsibilities in Surprise, HVAC technicians working 24-hour weeks may take home significantly less annually than their full-time counterparts but retain greater flexibility. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers engaged in travel projects often earn between $80 to $150 per day in addition to hourly rates ranging from $30 to $55. This dual structure can create an enticing income stream for those willing to travel. Various employer types affect pay scales as well; residential service companies, commercial contractors, and refrigeration specialists frequently offer different compensation structures. The trade-off between higher hourly wages and health benefits is a crucial conversation, particularly for those who value job security over possibly higher hourly rates from self-employment. Negotiating for optimal pay often hinges on understanding local market conditions and being aware of what offers prevailing in the vibrant HVAC landscape of Surprise.
More salary data for Surprise, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Surprise in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Surprise?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Surprise paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Surprise?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Surprise?
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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 Surprise. 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 Surprise 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