Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in New London, CT: $35.31 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in New London, CT runs $35.31 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,439 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against New London's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.72 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,066 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New London, CT, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to reach $35.31 in 2026, significantly higher than the national hourly median of $28.93. This robust hourly rate indicates a solid earning potential for mechanics working part-time, such as those who may choose to operate three days per week. Their earnings would roughly total around $27,046 annually, assuming a 24-hour week, while per-diem workers in various settings—including residential service routes and commercial installations—often find opportunities for additional income. For those just starting their careers in the field, hourly rates range from $24.92 at entry-level positions to potentially $53.87 for the top earners in the area, reflecting a healthy growth trajectory and diverse job opportunities within the industry.
About the New London Market
Salary estimated from Connecticut average ($66,000) 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) | $24.92 | $199.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $29.02 | $232.14 |
| Median (P50) | $35.31 | $282.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.34 | $354.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.87 | $430.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New London
Based on $35.31/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.31/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New London, CT can expect to earn approximately $73,443 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,371. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New London.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New London
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,412.37 | $6,120 | $73,443 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $847.42 | $3,672 | $44,066 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $564.95 | $2,448 | $29,377 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (New London) | $35.31 |
| 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 New London, CT earn a median of $73,439 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.04% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.30% below the Connecticut state average of $75,168.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.31/hr = $44,066/year (purchasing power: $40,840).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,443/year (purchasing power: $68,066).
CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.16/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.31/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in New London (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.65/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $32.98/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.31/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.66/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 New London grew 25.2% from $27.16/hr (2019) to $34.01/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.66/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 New London 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 New London
When considering part-time income, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in New London can achieve substantial earnings, transforming their flexible schedule into a profitable venture. Per-diem roles, especially for technicians engaged in out-of-town commercial projects, can offer lucrative rates alongside the hourly wage, reported between $30-$55. In contrast, self-employed contractors in high-cost-of-living markets can command rates from $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. However, the trade-off between benefits and hourly rates can influence decision-making; while some may accept lower pay for health insurance and stability, others pursue higher hourly wages without benefits. It’s critical for professionals to negotiate effectively based on their specific skills and the variety of employer types—ranging from residential service companies to commercial contractors—while acknowledging the changing dynamics in HVAC technology and the growing demand fueled by tax incentives like the heat pump credits under the IRA.
More salary data for New London, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in New London in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in New London?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in New London paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in New London?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in New London?
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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 New London. 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 New London 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