Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Derby, KS: $24.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Derby, KS runs $24.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Derby's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,746 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Derby, Kansas, the compensation available for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers reflects local market dynamics, with a median hourly rate of $24.64. This figure falls short of the national average of $28.93, indicating a slightly below-average earning potential for professionals in the area. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to earnings of around $19,650 annually based on a typical 24-hour weekly schedule. Additionally, the hourly pay range in Derby spans from $16.42 for entry-level positions to $37.21 for top earners, providing a wide spectrum of opportunities for those entering the field or looking to enhance their earnings through specialized skills and experience. Work environments vary greatly, from residential service jobs requiring daily travel to commercial projects involving large rooftop units, influencing both the hourly rate received and the types of challenges faced on the job.
About the Derby Market
Salary estimated from Kansas average ($54,000) 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) | $16.42 | $131.39 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.46 | $155.65 |
| Median (P50) | $24.64 | $197.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.70 | $245.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.21 | $297.67 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Derby
Based on $24.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.64/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Derby, KS can expect to earn approximately $51,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,564. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Derby.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Derby
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $985.46 | $4,270 | $51,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $591.28 | $2,562 | $30,746 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $394.18 | $1,708 | $20,498 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Derby) | $24.64 |
| 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 Derby, KS earn a median of $51,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.85% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% below the Kansas state average of $51,968.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.64/hr = $30,746/year (purchasing power: $33,824).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,244/year (purchasing power: $56,374).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.95/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.73/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Derby (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.95/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.68/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.91/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.29/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.58/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 Derby grew 25.2% from $18.95/hr (2019) to $23.73/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.58/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 Derby 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 Derby
Looking closely at the earning potential, a part-time technician earning $24.64 per hour would average significantly less than their full-time counterparts. For workers in more specialized settings like data centers or refrigeration companies, the dynamics shift as per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Derby can range from $80 to $150 per day in addition to hourly rates of $30 to $55. Many self-employed contractors report effective hourly rates between $90 and $160 during peak demand periods. In Derby, employers include both residential service companies and larger commercial contractors, with compensation often reflecting the complexity and scale of the systems serviced. Some professionals may take lower hourly rates for positions offering health insurance benefits, while others might prioritize higher pay when working as independent contractors. Negotiation can be key in this trade; understanding local industry standards can empower technicians to advocate for favorable terms, enhancing their financial outlook as the field continues to evolve with upcoming regulatory and technological changes.
More salary data for Derby, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Derby in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Derby?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Derby paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Derby?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Derby?
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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 Derby. 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 Derby 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