Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Pueblo, CO: $28.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Pueblo, CO runs $28.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,300 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Pueblo's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.55 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,983 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Pueblo, Colorado, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a median rate of $28.03. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting regional market conditions and cost of living. For those working part-time—say three days a week—this rate translates to approximately $21,900 annually, which can offer a flexible work-life balance. The hourly range for this occupation varies significantly, from $21.83 for entry-level positions to as much as $43.55 for top earners. Whether servicing residential units, coordinating commercial rooftop systems, or tackling tasks in data centers and supermarkets, these mechanics and installers occupy a vital role in maintaining critical systems. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics data from 2025, projected for 2026, outlines the financial landscape of this profession in Pueblo.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.83 | $174.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.84 | $182.72 |
| Median (P50) | $28.03 | $224.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.40 | $267.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.55 | $348.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Pueblo
Based on $28.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.03/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Pueblo, CO can expect to earn approximately $58,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,638. With a cost-of-living index of 91.76 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Pueblo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Pueblo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,121.26 | $4,859 | $58,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.75 | $2,915 | $34,983 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.50 | $1,944 | $23,322 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Pueblo) | $28.03 |
| 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 Pueblo, CO earn a median of $58,300 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.11% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.70% below the Colorado state average of $61,175.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.03/hr = $34,983/year (purchasing power: $38,124).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,305/year (purchasing power: $63,540).
CoL index: 91.762 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.47/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.00/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+42.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Pueblo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.47/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.34/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.30/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.00/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.10/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 Pueblo grew 31.9% from $20.47/hr (2019) to $27.00/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.10/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 Pueblo 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 Pueblo
Analyzing the income potential for part-time work in this field reveals noteworthy differences compared to full-time employment. A mechanic earning $28.03 hourly while working a typical schedule of 24 hours per week might bring home around $21,900 with even less stress than full-time roles, which can sometimes involve high-pressure service calls and on-call rotations. For those considering per-diem roles, particularly on commercial or industrial projects, the pay can be even more attractive. Traveling HVAC professionals can receive daily stipends of $80 to $150, alongside an hourly pay rate ranging from $30 to $55. This market also sees residential service calls typically starting at $90 to $180 per visit. Different employer types in Pueblo pay varying rates; commercial contractors and specialty firms often offer lower base rates compared to residential service companies but might include benefits like health insurance. Mechanics sometimes must weigh the trade-offs of higher hourly rates without benefits against those with lower rates but comprehensive health coverage. Practical negotiation tips for Pueblo workers include emphasizing certifications like the EPA Section 608 and NATE credentials, which can bolster salary discussions while recognizing the competitive nature of the local job market.
More salary data for Pueblo, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Pueblo in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Pueblo?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Pueblo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Pueblo?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Pueblo?
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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 Pueblo. 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