Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Bridgeport, CT: $36.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Bridgeport, CT runs $36.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Bridgeport's regional price level (BEA RPP 106.9, 7% above national), each hour of work buys what $34.38 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,854 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Bridgeport, Connecticut, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly pay of $36.74. This stands significantly above the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting the city's higher cost of living and demand for skilled technicians. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate translates to a substantial earning potential of approximately $1,466.96 weekly, providing flexibility to balance work with personal commitments. Per-diem opportunities are also prevalent, with pay often varying depending on the complexity of the job and whether it's in a residential setting or commercial environment. The hourly earning range for mechanics and installers in Bridgeport stretches from $21.44 at entry-level positions to $47.59 for experienced technicians, underscoring the potential for lucrative employment in this field.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.44 | $171.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.50 | $235.96 |
| Median (P50) | $36.74 | $293.94 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.47 | $339.78 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.59 | $380.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bridgeport
Based on $36.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.74/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bridgeport, CT can expect to earn approximately $76,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,090. With a cost-of-living index of 106.86 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bridgeport.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bridgeport
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,469.68 | $6,369 | $76,423 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $881.81 | $3,821 | $45,854 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $587.87 | $2,547 | $30,569 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Bridgeport) | $36.74 |
| 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 Bridgeport, CT earn a median of $76,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.01% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.70% above the Connecticut state average of $75,151.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.74/hr = $45,854/year (purchasing power: $42,909).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,423/year (purchasing power: $71,514).
CoL index: 106.864 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$33.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.39/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bridgeport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $33.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $32.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $30.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $34.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.05/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $36.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.39/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.15/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 Bridgeport grew 5.3% from $33.62/hr (2019) to $35.39/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.15/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 Bridgeport 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 Bridgeport
For professionals considering part-time roles, working 24 hours a week can yield an annual income of around $76,428 based on full-time equivalents, although actual take-home might differ for those taking on per-diem or agency jobs. For instance, travel HVAC technicians working out-of-town can earn between $80 and $150 per day in per-diem on top of hourly rates that range from $30 to $55. Self-employed contractors can command even higher effective rates, particularly during peak seasons, reaching between $90 and $160 per hour in high-cost areas. The variation in hourly wages underscores the importance of the employer type, from residential service companies to larger commercial operations. When evaluating offers, it's crucial to consider benefits like health insurance, which could justify accepting a slightly lower hourly rate. Navigating negotiations effectively requires understanding the market rates and being prepared to discuss not only pay but also working conditions and job security.
More salary data for Bridgeport, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bridgeport in 2026?
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Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bridgeport paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Bridgeport?
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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 Bridgeport. 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