Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Lewiston, ME: $31.85 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Lewiston, ME runs $31.85 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,259 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Lewiston's regional price level (BEA RPP 94.7, 5% below national), each hour of work buys what $33.62 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,751 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Lewiston, Maine, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $31.85, which surpasses the national median of $28.93. This competitive hourly pay reflects the area's demand for qualified professionals in various environments, including residential service truck routes and commercial settings like rooftop units and data centers. With an hourly range from $23.30 for entry-level positions to $41.21 for those at the top of their game, workers in Lewiston enjoy substantial earning potential. The official Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that this hourly compensation supports both full-time and part-time workers, catering to those on three-day work schedules as well as per-diem workers taking on specialized roles in fields like supermarket refrigeration and mechanical systems.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.30 | $186.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.80 | $222.42 |
| Median (P50) | $31.85 | $254.82 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.12 | $304.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.21 | $329.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lewiston
Based on $31.85/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.85/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lewiston, ME can expect to earn approximately $66,252 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,222. With a cost-of-living index of 94.74 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lewiston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lewiston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,274.08 | $5,521 | $66,252 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $764.45 | $3,313 | $39,751 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $509.63 | $2,208 | $26,501 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Lewiston) | $31.85 |
| 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 Lewiston, ME earn a median of $66,259 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.11% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 16.40% above the Maine state average of $56,924.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.85/hr = $39,751/year (purchasing power: $41,960).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,252/year (purchasing power: $69,933).
CoL index: 94.736 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.85/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+27.2%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Lewiston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.73/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.09/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.47/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.18/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.85/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.07/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 Lewiston grew 18.0% from $26.00/hr (2019) to $30.68/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.07/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 Lewiston 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 Lewiston
For heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lewiston, part-time work offers an appealing alternative to full-time commitments. A technician working three days a week, totaling about 24 hours, could bring home an estimated annual income significantly less than their full-time counterparts while still benefiting from flexible hours. Per diem roles are particularly lucrative, providing pay ranging from $80 to $150 daily in addition to base hourly rates of $30 to $55. Residential service companies may offer minimum service call fees between $90 and $180, while self-employed technicians can earn effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak times. Pay disparities across employer types, such as residential services, commercial contractors, and manufacturer support, can also influence decision-making for workers in search of benefits versus higher hourly rates. Workers should be prepared to negotiate based on these nuances, considering aspects such as health insurance, overtime, and seasonal demand. This strategic approach will aid mechanics and installers in maximizing their earning potential in Lewiston, ME.
More salary data for Lewiston, ME:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lewiston in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Lewiston?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lewiston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Lewiston?
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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 Lewiston. 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