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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Stamford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.96/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.25/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.64/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 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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Stamford 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 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.
More salary data for Stamford, CT:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Stamford?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Stamford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Stamford?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Stamford?
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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 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).
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