Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Grand Junction, CO: $28.71 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Grand Junction, CO runs $28.71 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,710 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Grand Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.07 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,825 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Grand Junction, CO, earn a median hourly rate of $28.71, which is slightly below the national median of $28.93. This competitive pay level can be especially advantageous for part-time workers and per-diem mechanics who typically work in residential service routes, commercial buildings, and various mechanical rooms across the area. Those earning on the lower end of the spectrum can expect rates around $21.71, while top earners may reach as high as $43.92 per hour. Official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) hourly data reflects that the local market is quite favorable for both entry-level and experienced professionals in this essential industry, providing them with a stable income while contributing to the efficient operation of heating and cooling systems.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.71 | $173.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.79 | $190.28 |
| Median (P50) | $28.71 | $229.65 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.35 | $266.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.92 | $351.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Junction
Based on $28.71/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.71/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Junction, CO can expect to earn approximately $59,709 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,447. With a cost-of-living index of 95.48 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,148.25 | $4,976 | $59,709 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $688.95 | $2,985 | $35,825 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $459.30 | $1,990 | $23,884 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Grand Junction) | $28.71 |
| 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 Grand Junction, CO earn a median of $59,710 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.77% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.40% below the Colorado state average of $61,178.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.71/hr = $35,825/year (purchasing power: $37,523).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,709/year (purchasing power: $62,538).
CoL index: 95.476 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.08/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.65/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.71/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Grand Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.08/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.19/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.65/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.71/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.80/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 Grand Junction grew 25.2% from $22.08/hr (2019) to $27.65/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.80/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 Grand Junction 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 Grand Junction
The earning potential for part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics in Grand Junction can shift markedly. For example, working a 3-day schedule averaging 24 hours a week could yield almost $36,000 annually, starkly contrasted with full-time totals. On top of regular hourly rates, per-diem workers may receive an additional $80 to $150 daily when engaged in out-of-town projects, alongside base pay that ranges from $30 to $55 an hour. In local markets, those in residential service firms can often expect minimums of $90-$180 per service call, while self-employed contractors can command effective rates that soar to $90-$160 during peak seasons. Different employers, including residential service companies and commercial contractors, offer a variety of pay structures, presenting trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits like health insurance. Individuals negotiating hourly pay should consider the balance of immediate compensation versus job security and benefits, particularly in a market experiencing rapid changes driven by factors like heat pump popularity and evolving refrigerant rules.
More salary data for Grand Junction, CO:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Grand Junction, CO
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Grand Junction, CO
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Grand Junction, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Grand Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Grand Junction?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Grand Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Grand Junction?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Junction?
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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 Grand Junction. 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, 6-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