Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Thornton, CO: $29.87 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Thornton, CO runs $29.87 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $62,130 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Thornton's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,277 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Thornton, Colorado, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $29.87 in 2026, slightly above the national median of $28.93. This hourly rate equates to a competitive income for those working in various environments, including residential service routes, commercial HVAC systems, and specialized refrigeration setups in supermarkets. For part-time workers, such as those on a typical 3-days-a-week schedule, this salary can yield significant earnings, making it a feasible option for those balancing multiple commitments or preferring flexible hours. Entry-level positions start around $18.43, while top earners can reach an hourly wage of $46.30, highlighting the potential for financial growth through experience and continued education.
About the Thornton 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) | $18.43 | $147.42 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.61 | $180.90 |
| Median (P50) | $29.87 | $238.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.24 | $305.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.30 | $370.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Thornton
Based on $29.87/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.87/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Thornton, CO can expect to earn approximately $62,128 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,843. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Thornton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Thornton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,194.76 | $5,177 | $62,128 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $716.86 | $3,106 | $37,277 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $477.90 | $2,071 | $24,851 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Thornton) | $29.87 |
| 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 Thornton, CO earn a median of $62,130 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.25% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.60% above the Colorado state average of $61,152.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.87/hr = $37,277/year (purchasing power: $35,501).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $62,128/year (purchasing power: $59,169).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.98/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.87/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Thornton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.93/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.87/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.01/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 Thornton grew 25.2% from $22.98/hr (2019) to $28.77/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.01/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 Thornton 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 Thornton
When considering earning potential, part-time mechanics and installers working 24 hours a week could take home approximately $46,900 annually, compared to full-time workers who typically accumulate a higher income due to increased hours and overtime opportunities. For per diem roles, traveling technicians may see additional pay ranging from $80 to $150 daily, alongside a base rate of $30 to $55 per hour, particularly in commercial and industrial settings. Different employers in Thornton influence hourly rates; for example, commission structures in residential service companies could drive earnings significantly higher, while industrial HVAC contractors might offer salaries with less variability. The decision between higher pay without benefits or lower pay with health insurance is a common consideration for many in this field. Negotiation skills can be vital, especially in a competitive market, urging technicians to advocate for their worth based on experience, certification (like EPA 608 and NATE), and the demand for emerging technologies in HVAC.
More salary data for Thornton, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Thornton in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Thornton?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Thornton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Thornton?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Thornton?
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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 Thornton. 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 Thornton 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