Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Atlanta, GA: $27.96 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Atlanta, GA runs $27.96 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,162 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Atlanta's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.1, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,892 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Atlanta, Georgia, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $27.96 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $28.93. This rate provides a solid living for mechanics in various settings, including residential service routes, commercial HVAC systems, and specialized refrigeration points such as data centers and supermarkets. For part-time workers, who may typically clock 24 hours over three days a week, this hourly wage translates into a viable income, especially for those aiming for a balance between work and personal time. Alongside the base pay, which ranges from $18.17 to $39.23 depending on experience and specialization, the position also allows self-employed contractors the opportunity to set their rates according to their expertise and the project demands.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.17 | $145.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.54 | $180.31 |
| Median (P50) | $27.96 | $223.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.41 | $283.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.23 | $313.87 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Atlanta
Based on $27.96/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.96/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Atlanta, GA can expect to earn approximately $58,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,550. With a cost-of-living index of 100.06 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Atlanta.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Atlanta
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,118.35 | $4,846 | $58,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $671.01 | $2,908 | $34,892 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $447.34 | $1,938 | $23,262 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Atlanta) | $27.96 |
| 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 Atlanta, GA earn a median of $58,162 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.34% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 19.30% above the Georgia state average of $48,753.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.96/hr = $34,892/year (purchasing power: $34,872).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,154/year (purchasing power: $58,120).
CoL index: 100.058 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.88/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.96/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Atlanta (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.88/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.90/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.38/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.81/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.93/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.96/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.03/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 Atlanta grew 23.1% from $21.88/hr (2019) to $26.93/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.03/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 Atlanta 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 Atlanta
Considering the earning potential for part-time positions, an HVAC mechanic working three days a week could see substantial annual earnings, especially if positioned strategically within high-demand sectors. For those seeking flexibility, per-diem work can provide lucrative daily rates ranging from $80 to $150, on top of base hourly wages between $30 and $55, particularly on commercial projects outside of Atlanta. The competitive landscape varies across different employer types; residential service companies may offer commission-based structures that could push earnings significantly higher depending on performance, while commercial techs tend to have more stable, salaried positions with overtime opportunities. Many professionals must weigh the trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and lower rates that include health insurance. For those looking to negotiate within the Atlanta market, being informed about local demand, the importance of certifications like EPA Section 608, and trends such as the heat pump installation boom can provide an edge in discussions.
More salary data for Atlanta, GA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Atlanta in 2026?
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How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Atlanta?
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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 Atlanta. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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