Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Wichita, KS: $28.23 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Wichita, KS runs $28.23 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,704 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Wichita's regional price level (BEA RPP 88.9, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,229 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Wichita, Kansas, the hourly compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $28.23 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $28.93 per hour. This rate can significantly benefit those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, offering flexibility in various work environments such as residential service routes, commercial rooftops, and even data centers. Entry-level workers can expect starting wages around $21.14, while top earners in the field may see rates as high as $40.20, reflecting both experience and the complexity of the services provided, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Given the diverse settings in which these professionals operate, such as supermarkets and industrial sites, the advantageous hourly pay allows for a balanced income across different employment models.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.14 | $169.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.44 | $187.54 |
| Median (P50) | $28.23 | $225.83 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.80 | $286.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.20 | $321.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Wichita
Based on $28.23/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.23/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Wichita, KS can expect to earn approximately $58,716 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,874. With a cost-of-living index of 88.95 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Wichita.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Wichita
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,129.15 | $4,893 | $58,716 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $677.49 | $2,936 | $35,229 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $451.66 | $1,957 | $23,486 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Wichita) | $28.23 |
| 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 Wichita, KS earn a median of $58,704 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.44% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 13.00% above the Kansas state average of $51,950.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.23/hr = $35,229/year (purchasing power: $39,608).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,716/year (purchasing power: $66,013).
CoL index: 88.946 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.23/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Wichita (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.23/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.31/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 Wichita grew 4.8% from $25.94/hr (2019) to $27.19/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.31/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 Wichita 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 Wichita
Part-time mechanics who work three days a week might take home over $43,000 annually, which still provides a viable income compared to full-time counterparts. In addition, the per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Wichita can be lucrative, particularly for travel techs who earn between $80 and $150 per day on top of $30 to $55 an hour when working out-of-town commercial projects. Residential service calls often command $90 to $180 for a minimum fee, and self-employed contractors can clear anywhere from $90 to $160 an hour during peak seasons. The hourly rates can vary notably depending on the type of employers—residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and manufacturer technical support all present unique pay structures. Some may prefer lower hourly rates with benefits, while others may choose higher rates without benefits, particularly as the demand for compliance with EPA Section 608 and emerging refrigerants evolves. Local workers should also be aware of negotiation tactics to better position themselves among potential employers in Wichita.
More salary data for Wichita, KS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Wichita in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Wichita?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Wichita paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Wichita?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Wichita?
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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 Wichita. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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