Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Windsor, CO: $29.03 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Windsor, CO runs $29.03 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,371 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Windsor's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.0, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,227 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Windsor, Colorado, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $29.03. This is slightly above the national median of $28.93, indicating a favorable outlook for local technicians. For those working in part-time capacities, such as three days a week, this translates into a practical earning potential, especially for labor-intensive tasks in residential service truck routes or commercial mechanical rooms. The hourly income ranges from $19.27 for entry-level positions to $43.88 for the most experienced professionals, allowing technicians to choose roles that fit their experience and financial goals. Notably, these figures are projected estimates based on annual salary data for 2026, reflecting the demand and growth in this sector.
About the Windsor 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) | $19.27 | $154.15 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.95 | $183.64 |
| Median (P50) | $29.03 | $232.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.20 | $289.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.88 | $351.08 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Windsor
Based on $29.03/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.03/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Windsor, CO can expect to earn approximately $60,378 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,834. With a cost-of-living index of 105.00 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Windsor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Windsor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,161.12 | $5,032 | $60,378 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $696.67 | $3,019 | $36,227 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $464.45 | $2,013 | $24,151 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Windsor) | $29.03 |
| 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 Windsor, CO earn a median of $60,371 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.33% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.30% below the Colorado state average of $61,166.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.03/hr = $36,227/year (purchasing power: $34,502).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,378/year (purchasing power: $57,503).
CoL index: 105 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.96/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.03/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Windsor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.89/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.96/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.03/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.14/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 Windsor grew 25.2% from $22.33/hr (2019) to $27.96/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.14/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 Windsor 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 Windsor
Looking into the earning potential throughout Windsor, part-time mechanics can expect differing take-home amounts based on their work schedules. A technician working three days a week might earn around $36,000 annually, which showcases a more flexible lifestyle but obviously falls short of full-time earnings. Per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics can see daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 while also earning hourly wages of $30 to $55 for contract-based jobs in commercial and industrial settings. For those diving into self-employment or independent contracting, the rates can soar to between $90 and $160 per hour during peak seasons. Variance in hourly rates often depends on the employer as well, from residential service companies to commercial contractors and specialized refrigeration firms. Consequently, many technicians may accept lower hourly wages if they include benefits like health insurance, creating a significant decision point in salary negotiations. Being informed about local market conditions and employer types can provide leverage during negotiations for those in the trade.
More salary data for Windsor, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Windsor in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Windsor?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Windsor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Windsor?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Windsor?
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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 Windsor. 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 Windsor 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