Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Clinton, IA: $27.16 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Clinton, IA runs $27.16 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,499 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Clinton's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.04 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,895 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clinton, Iowa, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected at $27.16 in 2026, which falls below the national average of $28.93 per hour. This rate impacts various working arrangements, especially for those seeking part-time opportunities or per-diem positions. A mechanic working three days a week, for example, would earn a significant supplemental income while still having ample time for personal projects or family. The hourly pay can vary widely, from entry-level positions starting around $19.31 to experienced mechanics earning as much as $40.44 per hour. Such diversity illustrates the potential for growth within the industry, depending on experience and specialization, making it a viable career choice in the moderate cost-of-living environment of Clinton.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Iowa average ($58,000) 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) | $19.31 | $154.48 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.25 | $177.99 |
| Median (P50) | $27.16 | $217.27 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.75 | $270.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.44 | $323.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clinton
Based on $27.16/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.16/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clinton, IA can expect to earn approximately $56,491 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,591. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Clinton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clinton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,086.37 | $4,708 | $56,491 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $651.82 | $2,825 | $33,895 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $434.55 | $1,883 | $22,597 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Clinton) | $27.16 |
| 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 Clinton, IA earn a median of $56,499 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.11% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.20% below the Iowa state average of $60,233.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.16/hr = $33,895/year (purchasing power: $37,494).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,491/year (purchasing power: $62,490).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.16/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.16/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.69/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.57/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.16/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.16/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.20/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 Clinton grew 25.2% from $20.89/hr (2019) to $26.16/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.20/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 Clinton 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 Clinton
For part-time workers, earning an hourly wage gives a clear picture of financial potential compared to full-time roles. For example, someone working 24 hours a week could make approximately $33,679 annually before taxes, a notable amount for a side income in Clinton. Moreover, per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the area can significantly enhance overall earnings, with travel techs receiving day allowances of $80 to $150 in addition to their hourly wage. Factors such as employer type can heavily influence earnings as well; residential services often offer more variable commission structures, while commercial contractors and manufacturers may provide steadier rates. Understanding the market dynamics can aid in negotiations, especially for those seeking higher pay for self-employment without the safety net of health benefits.
More salary data for Clinton, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Clinton. 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 Clinton 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