HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Stamford, CT: $36.25 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Stamford, CT runs $36.25 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $75,404 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Stamford's regional price level (BEA RPP 107.9, 8% above national), each hour of work buys what $33.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,245 per year.

$75,404
Median Annual Salary
$36.25/hr
Hourly Rate
$50,095
Entry Level (P10)
$116,877
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Stamford, CT — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Stamford, CT heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Stamford, Connecticut, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $36.25 in 2026. This figure significantly exceeds the national hourly median of $28.93, highlighting a robust local market for HVAC professionals. For those seeking part-time work, such as those on a 3-day-per-week schedule, this hourly rate translates into substantial earnings—about $28,800 annually for 24 hours a week. Per-diem workers, typically engaged in residential or commercial settings, can find themselves operating in various environments—ranging from residential service routes to data center precision cooling rooms—with hourly earnings ranging from $24.09 at the lower end of the pay scale to $56.19 for top earners in the field.

About the Stamford 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

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$24.09$192.69
Lower Range (P25)$28.78$230.23
Median (P50)$36.25$290.03
Upper Range (P75)$46.41$371.26
Top Earners (P90)$56.19$449.50

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Stamford

Based on $36.25/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Stamford earning $36.25/hr would make approximately $43,505 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $75,408 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$43,505Reduced (32 hr/wk)$58,006Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$75,408

At $36.25/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Stamford, CT can expect to earn approximately $75,408 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,505. With a cost-of-living index of 107.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Stamford.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$290.03
per 8hr shift
$1,450.16
per week
$6,284
per month
$75,408
per year

Schedule Comparison in Stamford

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,450.16$6,284$75,408
Part-Time (24 hrs)$870.09$3,770$45,245
Per Diem (16 hrs)$580.06$2,514$30,163

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Stamford)$36.25
Electrician (National Avg)$31.97
Plumber (National Avg)$32.85
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Auto Service Technician (National Avg)$24.83
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Stamford ($75,404) with Connecticut average ($75,104) and the US national median ($60,174).Stamford$75,404Connecticut Avg$75,104+0.40%US National$60,174+25.31%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Stamford, CT earn a median of $75,404 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.31% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.40% above the Connecticut state average of $75,104.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $36.25/hr = $45,245/year (purchasing power: $41,932).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $75,408/year (purchasing power: $69,887).

CoL index: 107.9 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$27.89/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$34.92/hr

2026 Current Est.

$36.25/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Stamford (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford. Baseline $27.89/hr in 2025, projected to $37.64/hr by 2027.$26$29$33$36$402019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$27.89$28.96$27.83$29.41$32.80$34.12$34.92$36.25$37.64
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$27.89/hrActual
2020$28.96/hrActual
2021$27.83/hrActual
2022$29.41/hrActual
2023$32.80/hrActual
2024$34.12/hrActual
2025$34.92/hrActual
2026(current)$36.25/hrEstimated
2027$37.64/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford grew 25.2% from $27.89/hr (2019) to $34.92/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.64/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stamford metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Stamford

Given the specialized nature of the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration industry, the potential for increased earnings is ever-present for mechanics working in different settings. For instance, part-time professionals earning $36.25 an hour can opt for agency work, where per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Stamford might add $80 to $150 for travel projects. Self-employed contractors in high-cost living markets often achieve rates between $90 and $160 per hour, particularly during peak seasons. Hourly rates vary based on employer type; residential service companies may offer commission bonuses but might pay lower base hourly rates, while commercial contractors could offer more stability through salaried positions. Negotiating hourly rates in Stamford often hinges on the balance between potential benefits like health insurance versus higher pay without such perks, with knowledge of the local market providing a significant advantage.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford is $36.25/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $24.09 at entry level (10th percentile) to $56.19 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 25.3% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Stamford?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Stamford earns approximately $3,770/month, or $45,245/year at the median hourly rate of $36.25. Many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford are paid hourly at a median rate of $36.25/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $75,408/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Stamford?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Stamford earns approximately $75,408/year at the median hourly rate of $36.25. This is 25.3% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $116,870/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Stamford?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $56.19/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 Stamford. 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 Stamford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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