Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Moline, IL: $31.46 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Moline, IL runs $31.46 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,436 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Moline's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,259 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Moline, Illinois, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to reach a median of $31.46 in 2026, surpassing the national median of $28.93 by approximately 8.74%. This competitive hourly rate creates attractive opportunities for both full-time and part-time roles, especially for those working three days a week. Part-time workers can expect to earn a good income while having flexible schedules, catering to a range of residential settings, such as service truck routes and commercial cooling systems. The hourly pay for these positions can range from $20.90 at the entry-level up to $46.47 for highly trained and experienced individuals, providing multiple pathways for career advancement—making the field appealing to those starting their careers in HVAC.
About the Moline Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) 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) | $20.90 | $167.19 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.89 | $199.09 |
| Median (P50) | $31.46 | $251.66 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.24 | $313.95 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.47 | $371.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moline
Based on $31.46/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.46/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moline, IL can expect to earn approximately $65,432 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,749. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Moline.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moline
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,258.30 | $5,453 | $65,432 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.98 | $3,272 | $39,259 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $503.32 | $2,181 | $26,173 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Moline) | $31.46 |
| 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 Moline, IL earn a median of $65,436 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.74% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 11.50% below the Illinois state average of $73,939.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.46/hr = $39,259/year (purchasing power: $40,431).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,432/year (purchasing power: $67,386).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.20/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.46/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Moline (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.15/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.46/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.46/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.66/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 Moline grew 25.2% from $24.20/hr (2019) to $30.30/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.66/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 Moline 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 Moline
The earning potential for someone working part-time at 24 hours a week, accepting shifts, and performing roles across Moline could yield a substantial $41,300 annually compared to a full-time income, which would approach $65,436 based on 40-hour work weeks. Traveling technicians who take per-diem roles for commercial projects may find even higher returns, earning daily allowances ranging from $80 to $150, complemented by hourly pay in the range of $30 to $55. In Moline, hourly compensation can differ significantly based on employment settings, such as residential service companies or commercial HVAC contractors, affecting negotiations around pay and additional benefits like health insurance. Trade-offs may lead some mechanics to accept lower hourly wages for comprehensive benefits packages, while others may pursue higher pay rates with fewer perks. Understanding the salary dynamics and negotiating effectively is essential for boosting overall compensation in this competitive and evolving market, especially as trends shift toward greener technologies and the residential demand for heat pump installations rises, influenced by anticipatory impacts of the IRA tax credits.
More salary data for Moline, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Moline in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Moline?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Moline paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Moline?
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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 Moline. 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 Moline 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