Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Conway, AR: $22.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Conway, AR runs $22.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,336 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Conway's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.64 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,805 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Conway, Arkansas, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect an hourly median pay of $22.28, which is significantly lower than the national median of $28.93. This pay structure places local professionals well behind their counterparts in higher-paying regions, impacting both full-time and part-time workers in this field. For those who might work part-time—say three days a week—this hourly rate translates to earnings reflective of the industry’s competitive service environments, including residential routes and commercial settings like large retail supermarkets or data centers. Entry-level mechanics might start around $14.84 per hour, while top earners can command up to $34.35 per hour, offering considerable variation based on skill level, experience, and specific job settings.
About the Conway Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) 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) | $14.84 | $118.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.65 | $141.20 |
| Median (P50) | $22.28 | $178.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.06 | $224.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.35 | $274.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Conway
Based on $22.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.28/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Conway, AR can expect to earn approximately $46,342 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,736. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Conway.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Conway
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $891.19 | $3,862 | $46,342 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $534.71 | $2,317 | $27,805 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $356.48 | $1,545 | $18,537 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Conway) | $22.28 |
| 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 Conway, AR earn a median of $46,336 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.00% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.10% below the Arkansas state average of $47,330.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.28/hr = $27,805/year (purchasing power: $31,997).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,342/year (purchasing power: $53,328).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.14/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Conway (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.14/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.08/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.16/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.13/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 Conway grew 25.2% from $17.14/hr (2019) to $21.46/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.13/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 Conway 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 Conway
For part-time workers, the financial picture changes significantly. A mechanic working three days a week and averaging 24 hours may realize annual earnings of approximately $27,000, which reflects a stark contrast to full-time professionals in the Conway area. Per-diem workers typically find themselves on commercial or industrial projects, earning substantial daily allowances that add to their base hourly rate—often ranging between $80 and $150. Conversely, residential service calls can demand flat rates from $90 to $180, depending on the job's scope. The variety of employer types in Conway—ranging from residential service companies to data center HVAC operations—creates a diverse earning landscape. Those who accept lower hourly rates might receive benefits like health insurance or retirement plans, while others might prefer higher rates without benefits. Negotiating effectively can make a significant difference in securing favorable pay rates tailored to specific work preferences and needs.
More salary data for Conway, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Conway in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Conway?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Conway paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Conway?
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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 Conway. 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 Conway 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