Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in West Palm Beach, FL: $28.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in West Palm Beach, FL runs $28.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against West Palm Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.8, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,126 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In West Palm Beach, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $28.15 in 2026, slightly lower than the national median of $28.93. This hourly wage reflects a diverse range of working conditions, accommodating both full-time schedules and part-time opportunities, such as those who might work three days a week. In practical terms, per-diem workers in this field typically engage in installations and servicing at residential sites, commercial rooftop units, or in specialized environments like data centers. For entry-level positions, hourly wages start around $18.08, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $43.61 per hour. These figures indicate that there's a substantial earning potential tied to skills, certifications like EPA 608, and the type of employer, which could range from residential service companies to large industrial contractors.
About the West Palm Beach 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) | $18.08 | $144.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.87 | $175.00 |
| Median (P50) | $28.15 | $225.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.03 | $288.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.61 | $348.92 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Palm Beach
Based on $28.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.15/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Palm Beach, FL can expect to earn approximately $58,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,775. With a cost-of-living index of 100.80 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Palm Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Palm Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,125.82 | $4,879 | $58,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.49 | $2,927 | $35,126 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.33 | $1,951 | $23,417 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (West Palm Beach) | $28.15 |
| 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 West Palm Beach, FL earn a median of $58,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.73% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 8.50% above the Florida state average of $53,948.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.15/hr = $35,126/year (purchasing power: $34,847).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,543/year (purchasing power: $58,078).
CoL index: 100.8 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.65/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in West Palm Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.22/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 West Palm Beach grew 25.2% from $21.65/hr (2019) to $27.11/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.22/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 West Palm Beach 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 West Palm Beach
Examining part-time opportunities, a mechanic working three days a week, totaling 24 hours, could potentially earn around $34,000 annually, starkly contrasting with full-time earnings. For professionals taking on per diem roles, especially in commercial projects, the compensation could include daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 on top of a base pay between $30 and $55 an hour, which positions them competitively within the West Palm Beach market. Contractors working independently may find themselves charging $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, reflecting the high demand in a growing market influenced by factors such as the heat pump boom and recent legislative incentives. Variability exists among employer types; residential service companies often provide lower hourly pay but may offset this with commission structures, while commercial firms frequently offer stable roles with the potential for overtime. Negotiating ability can significantly impact earnings in this line of work, especially when weighing the pros and cons of health benefits against hourly wage increases.
More salary data for West Palm Beach, FL:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Palm Beach, FL
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Palm Beach, FL
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Palm Beach, FL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in West Palm Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in West Palm Beach?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in West Palm Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in West Palm Beach?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in West Palm Beach?
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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 West Palm Beach. 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 West Palm Beach 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