Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Hammond, IN: $27.76 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Hammond, IN runs $27.76 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,754 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Hammond's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,646 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hammond, Indiana, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $27.76 in 2026. This figure slightly trails the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting local market conditions and the cost of living in the region. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day workweek schedule, this translates to a gross income of approximately $2,217 per month, which could appeal to those balancing multiple jobs or family responsibilities. Per-diem workers in this trade, particularly those on residential service routes or involved in commercial projects, often see varied pay scales. Entry-level technicians might earn around $18.64 per hour, while more experienced professionals can command rates as high as $43.03 per hour within Hammond's competitive market space.
About the Hammond Market
Salary estimated from Indiana average ($56,000) 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) | $18.64 | $149.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.12 | $176.99 |
| Median (P50) | $27.76 | $222.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.54 | $284.30 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.03 | $344.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hammond
Based on $27.76/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.76/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hammond, IN can expect to earn approximately $57,744 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,314. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hammond.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hammond
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,110.46 | $4,812 | $57,744 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.28 | $2,887 | $34,646 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.18 | $1,925 | $23,098 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Hammond) | $27.76 |
| 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 Hammond, IN earn a median of $57,754 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.02% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.70% below the Indiana state average of $59,357.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.76/hr = $34,646/year (purchasing power: $37,948).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,744/year (purchasing power: $63,246).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.36/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.74/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.76/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hammond (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.31/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.74/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.76/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.82/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 Hammond grew 25.2% from $21.36/hr (2019) to $26.74/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.82/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 Hammond 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 Hammond
With a projected 3.82% growth rate for the profession, there are multiple pathways for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers to maximize earnings, regardless of whether they are pursuing full-time employment or per-diem opportunities. A part-time worker clocking in 24 hours per week can expect to take home around $25,455 annually, which contrasts sharply with full-time income potentials and family health insurance options that many full-timers rely on. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Hammond can also vary widely based on employer type. Those working with residential service companies may attain base pay while pursuing commissions, which can significantly enhance earnings during peak seasons, while commercial contracts typically offer more stable salary packages. For those seeking self-employment, rates can surge to $90-$160 per hour in high-demand areas, reflecting the varying benefits of health coverage versus paid hourly work. Negotiating pay within this sector often hinges on proving expertise, especially in regions with a focus on emerging refrigerants and technology.
More salary data for Hammond, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hammond in 2026?
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How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Hammond?
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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 Hammond. 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 Hammond 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