Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Mountain Home, ID: $22.81 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Mountain Home, ID runs $22.81 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,438 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Mountain Home's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.3, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $23.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,466 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Mountain Home, Idaho, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are projected to earn a median hourly rate of $22.81 in 2026. This figure lags behind the national median hourly pay of $28.93, indicating a significant gap that affects the attractiveness of this profession in the area. Workers operating on a part-time basis, such as those taking on three days a week, could expect to earn approximately $1,094.32 weekly if they maintain 24 hours each week, leading to an annual take-home of around $57,908. The hourly pay ranges from $15.06 for entry-level positions to $34.16 for top earners, showcasing variability based on experience and employer type. Typical settings for HVAC professionals in Mountain Home include residential service routes, commercial mechanical rooms, and refrigeration setups in supermarkets or data centers, all of which require the intricacies of specialized skills and knowledge gained through certifications.
About the Mountain Home Market
Salary estimated from Idaho average ($54,000) 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) | $15.06 | $120.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.33 | $154.65 |
| Median (P50) | $22.81 | $182.47 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.47 | $227.74 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.16 | $273.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mountain Home
Based on $22.81/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.81/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mountain Home, ID can expect to earn approximately $47,443 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,371. With a cost-of-living index of 95.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mountain Home.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mountain Home
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $912.37 | $3,954 | $47,443 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $547.42 | $2,372 | $28,466 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $364.95 | $1,581 | $18,977 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Mountain Home) | $22.81 |
| 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 Mountain Home, ID earn a median of $47,438 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.17% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.70% below the Idaho state average of $50,306.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.81/hr = $28,466/year (purchasing power: $29,870).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $47,443/year (purchasing power: $49,783).
CoL index: 95.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.97/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.81/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mountain Home (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.81/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.68/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 Mountain Home grew 25.2% from $17.55/hr (2019) to $21.97/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.68/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 Mountain Home 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 Mountain Home
With a 3.82% annual growth rate projected in the HVAC sector, part-time mechanics in Mountain Home could see a viable path to increased earnings, particularly if they engage in per-diem opportunities. Per diem roles often provide $80-$150 per day alongside a base of $30-$55 per hour for travel to commercial or industrial project sites. Residential service calls typically guarantee minimums of $90-$180 per visit, making these opportunities attractive for skilled technicians. Different employer types influence hourly rates significantly; self-employed contractors may gain rates around $90-$160 per hour in high-demand seasons, while residential companies and commercial contractors can offer different remuneration packages. Many professionals may choose to accept slightly lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, which can be an essential trade-off depending on personal circumstances. Negotiation tips for those working hourly in Mountain Home should focus on mobility between sectors, understanding local demand for HVAC services, and recognizing their worth based on the educational background in EPA Section 608 certifications and industry standards.
More salary data for Mountain Home, ID:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mountain Home, ID
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mountain Home, ID
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mountain Home, ID
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mountain Home in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mountain Home?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mountain Home paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Mountain Home?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Mountain Home?
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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 Mountain Home. 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 Mountain Home 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