Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Valparaiso, IN: $28.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Valparaiso, IN runs $28.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,569 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Valparaiso's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.3, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,139 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Valparaiso, Indiana, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a median of $28.16. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting regional economic conditions. For part-time workers, such as those who may work three days a week, this translates to a take-home of around $1,062.40 weekly before taxes, which can provide a viable living in the area, where the cost of living index is below national averages. The hourly range for this profession in Valparaiso starts at approximately $18.67 for entry-level positions, escalating to as much as $41.55 for top earners. Many installers work across various settings, from residential service routes to commercial HVAC systems, allowing flexibility in hours and offering per-diem opportunities for those working temporary jobs or in commissioning settings.
About the Valparaiso 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) | $18.67 | $149.33 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.25 | $177.99 |
| Median (P50) | $28.16 | $225.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.50 | $276.00 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.55 | $332.39 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valparaiso
Based on $28.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.16/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valparaiso, IN can expect to earn approximately $58,564 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,787. With a cost-of-living index of 91.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Valparaiso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valparaiso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,126.24 | $4,880 | $58,564 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $675.74 | $2,928 | $35,139 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $450.50 | $1,952 | $23,426 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Valparaiso) | $28.16 |
| 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 Valparaiso, IN earn a median of $58,569 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.67% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% below the Indiana state average of $59,401.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.16/hr = $35,139/year (purchasing power: $38,487).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,564/year (purchasing power: $64,145).
CoL index: 91.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.12/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Valparaiso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.62/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.12/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.23/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 Valparaiso grew 25.2% from $21.66/hr (2019) to $27.12/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.23/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 Valparaiso 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 Valparaiso
Job seekers should consider how part-time and per-diem positions can impact their overall earnings compared to full-time roles. A mechanic working part-time three days a week could bring in around $55,000 annually, while those employed full-time may average closer to $58,569. Per-diem rates for out-of-town projects in commercial or industrial HVAC can generate between $80 and $150 daily on top of base hourly pay of $30 to $55. Self-employed contractors, particularly in high-cost living areas, can command rates from $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. While residential service companies may offer employment with benefits, technicians must evaluate whether higher hourly rates with fewer benefits align with their financial goals. Negotiation in Valparaiso should focus on market rates and specific skills, especially in rapidly growing fields like heat pump installations, as the transition to greener refrigerants offers ongoing opportunities for skilled professionals.
More salary data for Valparaiso, IN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Valparaiso in 2026?
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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 Valparaiso. 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 Valparaiso 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