Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Aurora, CO: $33.20 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Aurora, CO runs $33.20 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $69,049 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Aurora's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,436 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Aurora, Colorado, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $33.20 for 2026, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $28.93. This competitive pay supports various work arrangements, including part-time schedules typical in the field. For example, technicians working three days a week could still earn a solid income while servicing residential routes, commercial buildings, or data centers. The hourly range for this role spans from $21.02 at the entry-level to $51.45 for top earners, allowing for substantial variation based on experience and specialization. Most of these estimates are derived from the annual salary data, reinforcing how hourly wages in Aurora reflect both market demand and the cost of living in the area.
About the Aurora Market
Salary estimated from Colorado average ($62,000) 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) | $21.02 | $168.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.64 | $205.15 |
| Median (P50) | $33.20 | $265.61 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.49 | $339.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.45 | $411.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Aurora
Based on $33.20/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.20/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Aurora, CO can expect to earn approximately $69,059 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,842. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Aurora.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Aurora
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,328.07 | $5,755 | $69,059 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.84 | $3,453 | $41,436 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $531.23 | $2,302 | $27,624 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Aurora) | $33.20 |
| 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 Aurora, CO earn a median of $69,049 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.75% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 12.90% above the Colorado state average of $61,159.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.20/hr = $41,436/year (purchasing power: $39,463).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $69,059/year (purchasing power: $65,771).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.54/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.20/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Aurora (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.54/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.14/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.20/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.47/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 Aurora grew 25.2% from $25.54/hr (2019) to $31.98/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.47/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 Aurora 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 Aurora
For those considering part-time careers in this field, a mechanic or installer working 24 hours a week could expect to take home nearly $41,600 annually, which is respectable but notably lower than full-time earnings. Per-diem opportunities also exist, particularly for travel HVAC technicians working on commercial projects, where rates can range from $80 to $150 per day, adding additional income on top of base hourly rates between $30 and $55. In Aurora, HVAC professionals typically earn less in residential service companies compared to commercial HVAC contractors but may benefit from commission structures that can significantly boost earnings. Negotiating hourly rates can be critical; workers seeking stable income with benefits may accept lower pay while those who prioritize higher rates might do so without health insurance. The evolving landscape, driven by increased demand for heat pump installations and new refrigerant requirements, further shapes how these mechanics are paid across different employers and work settings in the area.
More salary data for Aurora, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Aurora in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Aurora?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Aurora paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Aurora?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Aurora?
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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 Aurora. 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 Aurora 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