Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Auburn, ME: $31.84 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Auburn, ME runs $31.84 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,240 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Auburn's regional price level (BEA RPP 99.6, 0% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,738 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Auburn, Maine, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate stands at $31.84, which compares favorably to the national average of $28.93 per hour. This higher local rate reflects the area's unique cost of living and demand for skilled technicians. For part-time workers scheduling around three days a week, this figure translates to a reasonable income while allowing for flexibility. These professionals typically operate in various environments, including residential service routes and commercial facilities such as data centers. With an hourly pay structure ranging from $20.96 for entry-level positions up to $45.50 for experienced technicians, the hourly earnings in Auburn showcase solid opportunities for career advancement based on skill and experience.
About the Auburn Market
Salary estimated from Maine 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) | $20.96 | $167.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.86 | $214.87 |
| Median (P50) | $31.84 | $254.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.45 | $307.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.50 | $364.03 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Auburn
Based on $31.84/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.84/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Auburn, ME can expect to earn approximately $66,231 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,210. With a cost-of-living index of 99.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Auburn.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Auburn
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,273.66 | $5,519 | $66,231 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.20 | $3,312 | $39,738 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.47 | $2,208 | $26,492 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Auburn) | $31.84 |
| 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 Auburn, ME earn a median of $66,240 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.08% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 16.30% above the Maine state average of $56,956.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.84/hr = $39,738/year (purchasing power: $39,898).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,231/year (purchasing power: $66,497).
CoL index: 99.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$24.50/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.84/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Auburn (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.50/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.83/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $26.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.84/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.06/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 Auburn grew 25.2% from $24.50/hr (2019) to $30.67/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.06/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 Auburn 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 Auburn
Despite being a part-time worker with a schedule of 24 hours a week, one can expect an annual take-home in the range of $62,700, a figure that highlights the appealing earning potential in this profession without fully committing to a 40-hour workweek. For those in the per-diem realm, the calculus changes significantly: experienced technicians working on commercial projects can earn additionally between $80 and $150 per day on top of a base hourly wage that ranges from $30 to $55. Variations in hourly pay across different employer types in Auburn—ranging from residential service companies to commercial HVAC contractors to manufacturers—also reflect the sector's dynamics. Those who prioritize job security and benefits may opt for positions offering lower hourly rates with health insurance options, whereas self-employed contractors often secure higher hourly earnings but may lack consistent benefits. Ultimately, technicians in Auburn should approach negotiations by being prepared to discuss skills, certifications from EPA Section 608 or NATE, and their preferences for hourly pay versus benefits based on the growing demand for heat pump installations and the impacts of emerging refrigerants.
More salary data for Auburn, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Auburn in 2026?
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Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Auburn paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Auburn?
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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 Auburn. 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 Auburn 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