Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Searcy, AR: $21.67 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Searcy, AR runs $21.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,072 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Searcy's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.9, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,041 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Searcy, Arkansas, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $21.67. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $28.93, indicating a distinct wage environment in this region. For mechanics who typically work part-time, such as on a three-day work week, this rate offers a modest income while allowing flexibility, appealing to those who may prefer to balance personal commitments. The hourly pay spans from $14.77 at the entry level to $30.81 for those at the top of their field, resulting from experience and specialized skill sets in various settings like residential trucks, commercial rooftop units, or supermarket refrigeration systems. These figures are derived from annual salary data, reflecting the expected compensation for hands-on work in diverse mechanical environments.
About the Searcy 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) | $14.77 | $118.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.29 | $138.29 |
| Median (P50) | $21.67 | $173.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.03 | $208.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $30.81 | $246.51 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Searcy
Based on $21.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.67/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Searcy, AR can expect to earn approximately $45,068 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,001. With a cost-of-living index of 86.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Searcy.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Searcy
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $866.69 | $3,756 | $45,068 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $520.01 | $2,253 | $27,041 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.68 | $1,502 | $18,027 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Searcy) | $21.67 |
| 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 Searcy, AR earn a median of $45,072 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.10% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.80% below the Arkansas state average of $47,345.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.67/hr = $27,041/year (purchasing power: $31,117).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,068/year (purchasing power: $51,862).
CoL index: 86.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.67/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.67/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Searcy (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.67/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.31/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.58/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.67/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.49/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 Searcy grew 25.2% from $16.67/hr (2019) to $20.87/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.49/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 Searcy 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 Searcy
Taking a closer look at part-time dynamics, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week would earn approximately $16,700 annually, a striking difference compared to a full-time worker. For those opting for per-diem roles, particularly in out-of-town commercial projects, pay ranges can climb significantly, with some technicians receiving $30-$55 per hour alongside daily per diem rates of $80-$150. In Searcy, hourly rates vary by employer type—residential companies offer competitive rates but often with commissions, while larger commercial operations typically pay a fixed wage with structured overtime. This pay hierarchy means some technicians may choose positions offering lower hourly rates with benefits, focusing on long-term security over immediate earnings. Successful negotiation for hourly wages in the area can hinge on highlighting specialized training and certifications, such as those from EPA Section 608 or NATE, which can position candidates advantageously in a competitive job market.
More salary data for Searcy, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Searcy. 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 Searcy 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