Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Denver, CO: $33.94 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Denver, CO runs $33.94 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,599 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Denver's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.8, 6% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,356 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Denver, Colorado, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly pay of $33.94, surpassing the national median of $28.93. This robust hourly rate allows for substantial earnings, even for part-time workers in residential service routes or commercial settings such as mechanical rooms and data centers. For those working three days a week, averaging around 24 hours, the income can still accumulate to a respectable annual sum. The hourly pay in Denver ranges from $23.23 for entry-level positions to $49.74 for seasoned professionals, showcasing a diverse earning potential within the industry. This data originates from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting the market demand and specialized skills in heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration, particularly amidst the growing adoption of energy-efficient systems.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.23 | $185.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.01 | $224.09 |
| Median (P50) | $33.94 | $271.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.87 | $342.94 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.74 | $397.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Denver
Based on $33.94/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.94/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Denver, CO can expect to earn approximately $70,593 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,727. With a cost-of-living index of 105.78 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Denver.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Denver
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,357.55 | $5,883 | $70,593 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.53 | $3,530 | $42,356 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $543.02 | $2,353 | $28,237 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Denver) | $33.94 |
| 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 Denver, CO earn a median of $70,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.32% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 15.40% above the Colorado state average of $61,177.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.94/hr = $42,356/year (purchasing power: $40,040).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,593/year (purchasing power: $66,734).
CoL index: 105.782 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.69/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.94/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+33.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Denver (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.97/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.74/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.69/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.94/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.24/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 Denver grew 24.1% from $26.35/hr (2019) to $32.69/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.24/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 Denver 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 Denver
The earning potential for a part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer can be quite attractive. Those working only three days a week, about 24 hours total, would take home approximately $42,570 annually after taxes, compared to full-time workers making substantially more. Furthermore, per diem pay for those traveling for commercial or industrial work ranges from $80 to $150 per day, layered atop a base hourly wage of $30 to $55. This incentive makes on-location jobs appealing for skilled technicians. In Denver, different employers—ranging from residential service companies to large commercial contractors—tend to offer varied hourly rates, which can influence overall career choices. While some professionals opt for higher hourly rates at contract jobs, they may sacrifice benefits such as health insurance, which are often available with employer-sponsored positions. Navigating salary negotiations, particularly in the competitive Denver market, requires a solid understanding of both hourly pay standards and benefit considerations.
More salary data for Denver, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Denver in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Denver?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Denver paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Denver?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Denver?
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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 Denver. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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