Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Chelmsford, MA: $33.17 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Chelmsford, MA runs $33.17 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $68,988 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Chelmsford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.57 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $41,397 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Chelmsford, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly rate of $33.17, which is significantly higher than the national average of $28.93. This favorable rate translates well for those seeking part-time or per diem work, especially in settings like residential service, commercial HVAC installations, and specialized refrigeration cases. For individuals working three days a week, this hourly paycheck can support a steady income while allowing flexibility for personal commitments. The hourly earnings range from $22.71 for entry-level positions to $50.95 for top earners, indicating a healthy market for skilled tradespeople in Chelmsford. As these figures are derived from annual salary estimates, they provide a valuable insight into the compensation landscape for those considering a career in this field.
About the Chelmsford Market
Salary estimated from Massachusetts average ($72,000) 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) | $22.71 | $181.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.73 | $213.87 |
| Median (P50) | $33.17 | $265.36 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.86 | $334.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.95 | $407.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chelmsford
Based on $33.17/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.17/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chelmsford, MA can expect to earn approximately $68,995 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $39,805. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Chelmsford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Chelmsford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,326.82 | $5,750 | $68,995 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $796.09 | $3,450 | $41,397 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $530.73 | $2,300 | $27,598 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Chelmsford) | $33.17 |
| 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 Chelmsford, MA earn a median of $68,988 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.65% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 4.90% below the Massachusetts state average of $72,543.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.17/hr = $41,397/year (purchasing power: $38,154).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $68,995/year (purchasing power: $63,590).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.52/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$31.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.17/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Chelmsford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.52/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.70/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $31.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.17/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.44/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 Chelmsford grew 25.2% from $25.52/hr (2019) to $31.95/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.44/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 Chelmsford 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 Chelmsford
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When analyzing the part-time earning potential for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week, the annual take-home pay can be substantial but falls short compared to a full-time role. While full-time professionals might enjoy benefits and a more stable income, part-timers should consider the realities of variable pay structures, especially in residential settings where service call minimums range from $90 to $180. For per-diem workers, especially those traveling for out-of-town commercial projects, earning potential spikes dramatically, with rates ranging from $80 to $150 per day plus an hourly base of $30 to $55. The distinctions in hourly rates can also vary greatly depending on the employer type, whether they work for residential service companies, commercial contractors, or as self-employed operators. While some HVAC professionals in Chelmsford may opt for lower hourly rates for greater benefits like health insurance, others may prefer the potential for higher earnings by taking contracts without benefits. Negotiation strategies can be vital for hourly workers; understanding the local market and leveraging additional certifications like EPA Section 608 can help to optimize pay rates over time.
More salary data for Chelmsford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chelmsford in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Chelmsford?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chelmsford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Chelmsford?
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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 Chelmsford. 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 Chelmsford 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