Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Bear, DE: $26.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Bear, DE runs $26.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,714 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Bear's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.34 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,428 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bear, Delaware, the hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer stands at a median of $26.79. This rate is slightly lower than the national median of $28.93, indicating that local employers may offer salaries below the broader market average. For workers seeking part-time roles, like those on a three-day work week, this could result in an earnings potential of about $38,063 annually, while full-timers at this pay level could exceed $55,714. The hourly range spans from $18.56 for entry-level positions to as much as $38.36 for experienced technicians. These figures are distilled from overall annual salary data, reflecting the diverse work environments in which these mechanics operate, including residential service routes, commercial rooftops, and specialized refrigeration setups.
About the Bear Market
Salary estimated from Delaware 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) | $18.56 | $148.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.58 | $172.67 |
| Median (P50) | $26.79 | $214.28 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.42 | $259.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.36 | $306.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bear
Based on $26.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.79/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bear, DE can expect to earn approximately $55,714 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,143. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Bear.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bear
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,071.42 | $4,643 | $55,714 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $642.85 | $2,786 | $33,428 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $428.57 | $1,857 | $22,286 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Bear) | $26.79 |
| 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 Bear, DE earn a median of $55,714 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.41% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.20% below the Delaware state average of $58,157.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.79/hr = $33,428/year (purchasing power: $32,870).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,714/year (purchasing power: $54,783).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.80/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bear (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.39/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.23/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.80/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.81/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 Bear grew 25.2% from $20.61/hr (2019) to $25.80/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.81/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 Bear 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 Bear
Part-time mechanics may find themselves in a unique situation, enjoying a flexible work schedule while earning substantial income relative to their hours worked. A part-time professional serving 24 hours per week could net up to $38,063 annually, significantly less than full-time colleagues but with fewer responsibilities. For those engaging in per diem work, particularly in roles involving travel for larger commercial projects, pay can vary dramatically, with additional compensation for daily expenses often between $80-$150 on top of an hourly base between $30-$55. Employers, from residential service representatives of major brands to specialized commercial contractors, often influence hourly rates based on the demand for skilled technicians. Self-employed contractors, especially in high-cost areas, can command rates from $90-$160 for peak season projects. Prospective workers in Bear should balance hourly compensation with benefits; while agencies may offer higher pay, they often lack full benefits packages. Practicing effective negotiation tactics, like emphasizing experience with EPA 608 compliance or unique refrigerants, can tip the scales favorably during hiring discussions.
More salary data for Bear, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bear in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Bear?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bear paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Bear?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Bear?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Delaware
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 Bear. 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 Bear 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