Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Ottumwa, IA: $26.93 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Ottumwa, IA runs $26.93 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Ottumwa's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.4, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.79 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,610 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ottumwa, Iowa, can anticipate a median hourly pay of $26.93 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $28.93 for the same year. This rate is attractive for both part-time workers aiming for flexibility and those engaging in per-diem work, as it allows for the scheduling of service routes spanning residential, commercial, and industrial applications. With an hourly range from $19.59 at the 10th percentile to $39.67 at the 90th percentile, technicians can find ample opportunity for advancement and specialization within the field. Precise environments like data centers or large refrigeration systems often require highly skilled professionals, and this hourly compensation reflects the level of expertise necessary for different job settings, from routine maintenance to emergency repairs.
About the Ottumwa 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) | $19.59 | $156.73 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.38 | $179.07 |
| Median (P50) | $26.93 | $215.45 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.19 | $265.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.67 | $317.36 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ottumwa
Based on $26.93/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.93/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ottumwa, IA can expect to earn approximately $56,016 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,317. With a cost-of-living index of 90.40 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ottumwa.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ottumwa
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,077.24 | $4,668 | $56,016 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $646.34 | $2,801 | $33,610 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.89 | $1,867 | $22,407 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Ottumwa) | $26.93 |
| 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 Ottumwa, IA earn a median of $56,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.91% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.00% below the Iowa state average of $60,235.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.93/hr = $33,610/year (purchasing power: $37,179).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,016/year (purchasing power: $61,965).
CoL index: 90.4 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.72/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.93/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ottumwa (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.68/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.93/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.96/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 Ottumwa grew 25.2% from $20.72/hr (2019) to $25.94/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.96/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 Ottumwa 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 Ottumwa
A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working three days a week (24 hours) could generate around $33,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but with a lifestyle flexibility that many value. For those engaging in per diem work, opportunities abound, especially for travel projects, where pay can range from $80 to $150 a day in addition to base hourly rates varying from $30 to $55. The compensation landscape in Ottumwa varies across employers; residential service companies, often tied to commission structures, might incentivize performance with bonuses, while commercial contractors provide steadier salaries with less variability. Some professionals in the field may choose lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, understanding the trade-offs involved. Negotiation is key; understanding sector expectations and emphasizing specific skills or certifications can lead to better offers within the local job market.
More salary data for Ottumwa, IA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ottumwa in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Ottumwa?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ottumwa paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Ottumwa?
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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 Ottumwa. 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 Ottumwa 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