Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Key West, FL: $25.55 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Key West, FL runs $25.55 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,140 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Key West's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.35 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,887 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Key West, FL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $25.55 in 2026, which falls below the national median of $28.93. This hourly rate provides opportunities for part-time workers who may only be available three days a week, allowing them to earn a competitive income while maintaining flexibility. The range for hourly wages in the area varies significantly, stretching from $16.89 for entry-level positions up to $37.65 for top earners. Mechanic and installer roles commonly entail various work environments including residential services, commercial rooftop units, and data center cooling rooms, each setting presenting different pay scales that can impact overall earning potential.
About the Key West Market
Salary estimated from Florida average ($52,000) 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) | $16.89 | $135.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.15 | $161.21 |
| Median (P50) | $25.55 | $204.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.81 | $254.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.65 | $301.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Key West
Based on $25.55/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.55/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Key West, FL can expect to earn approximately $53,144 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,660. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Key West.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Key West
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,022.00 | $4,429 | $53,144 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $613.20 | $2,657 | $31,887 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $408.80 | $1,771 | $21,258 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Key West) | $25.55 |
| 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 Key West, FL earn a median of $53,140 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.69% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.50% below the Florida state average of $53,950.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.55/hr = $31,887/year (purchasing power: $31,633).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,144/year (purchasing power: $52,722).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.55/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Key West (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.41/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.55/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.53/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 Key West grew 25.2% from $19.66/hr (2019) to $24.61/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.53/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 Key West 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 Key West
Exploring the earning potential for part-time workers reveals distinct financial realities. A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week would take home substantially less annually compared to their full-time counterparts, reflecting an income that is considerably influenced by part-time commitments. Those seeking additional earnings through per diem work can expect daily rates of $80-$150 on projects, significantly boosting income alongside base hourly rates that range from $30 to $55. Differences in hourly rates further exist based on employer types in Key West, where residential service contractors may offer a lower pay rate but provide essential benefits, while self-employed contractors command higher effective rates during peak seasons. Practical negotiations in this competitive job market become vital as workers seek to balance between pay, hours, and benefits, particularly as more technicians navigate into specialized areas such as heat pump installation driven by recent tax incentives.
More salary data for Key West, FL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Key West in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Key West?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Key West paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Key West?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Key West?
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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 Key West. 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 Key West 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