Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Hutchinson, KS: $24.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Hutchinson, KS runs $24.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $50,833 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Hutchinson's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.89 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,500 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hutchinson, Kansas, the projected median hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $24.44. This figure falls short of the national median hourly rate of $28.93, reflecting a trend seen in various regional labor markets. For those working part-time—say, three days a week—this hourly wage can lead to an annual income around $30,000, highlighting a more limited earning potential compared to full-time practitioners in the field. The hourly wages for entry-level positions start at approximately $17.14, with the potential to earn upwards of $37.88 for top earners, depending on skill set and market demand. Workers in Hutchinson typically find positions in diverse environments, including residential service trucks, commercial building rooftop units, or even self-employed contractor service trucks.
About the Hutchinson 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) | $17.14 | $137.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.01 | $160.05 |
| Median (P50) | $24.44 | $195.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.69 | $237.54 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.88 | $303.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hutchinson
Based on $24.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.44/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hutchinson, KS can expect to earn approximately $50,834 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,327. With a cost-of-living index of 90.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hutchinson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hutchinson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $977.57 | $4,236 | $50,834 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $586.54 | $2,542 | $30,500 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $391.03 | $1,694 | $20,333 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Hutchinson) | $24.44 |
| 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 Hutchinson, KS earn a median of $50,833 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.52% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.20% below the Kansas state average of $51,977.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.44/hr = $30,500/year (purchasing power: $33,554).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $50,834/year (purchasing power: $55,923).
CoL index: 90.9 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.54/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hutchinson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.52/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.54/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.37/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 Hutchinson grew 25.2% from $18.80/hr (2019) to $23.54/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.37/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 Hutchinson 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 Hutchinson
Part-time mechanics in Hutchinson may favor flexibility, but it's essential to recognize that working just three days a week can limit total earnings significantly. For instance, a worker putting in 24 hours weekly could anticipate an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts. In contrast, per-diem positions cater to travel HVAC technicians, who might receive day rates between $80 and $150 in addition to hourly wages often in the range of $30 to $55. When weighing employer types, residential service companies may offer lower hourly rates but provide health benefits, while commercial contractors often promise steadier work hours but with less variability in pay. Self-employed contractors, experiencing steady demand from the ongoing heat pump installation boom, might command effective rates of $90 to $160, particularly during high season. Negotiating tips specific to Hutchinson involve discussing benefits that trade-offs present in hourly pay and focusing on market demand for HVAC expertise in the light of transitioning refrigerants and emerging energy-efficient technologies that require new skill sets.
More salary data for Hutchinson, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hutchinson in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Hutchinson?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hutchinson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Hutchinson?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Hutchinson?
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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 Hutchinson. 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 Hutchinson 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