Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Methuen, MA: $34.40 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Methuen, MA runs $34.40 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,552 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Methuen's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,926 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Methuen, Massachusetts, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly rate of $34.40. This figure reflects a considerable advantage over the national median hourly rate of $28.93, making Methuen an attractive location for professionals in this trade. Workers typically engage in part-time roles, often working three days a week, which can lead to significant earnings even without full-time hours. The hourly pay ranges from approximately $23.82 for entry-level positions to about $53.32 for the most experienced technicians, providing a viable pathway for both new entrants and seasoned professionals seeking lucrative opportunities. Mechanics and installers often operate in a variety of settings, including residential service routes, commercial buildings, and refrigerated environments, contributing to the diverse demands of the job.
About the Methuen 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) | $23.82 | $190.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.97 | $223.75 |
| Median (P50) | $34.40 | $275.16 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.00 | $351.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.32 | $426.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Methuen
Based on $34.40/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.40/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Methuen, MA can expect to earn approximately $71,543 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,275. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Methuen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Methuen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,375.82 | $5,962 | $71,543 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $825.49 | $3,577 | $42,926 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.33 | $2,385 | $28,617 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Methuen) | $34.40 |
| 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 Methuen, MA earn a median of $71,552 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.91% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% below the Massachusetts state average of $72,568.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.40/hr = $42,926/year (purchasing power: $39,563).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,543/year (purchasing power: $65,938).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.46/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.40/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Methuen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.46/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.47/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.41/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.91/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.12/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.03/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.40/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.71/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 Methuen grew 25.2% from $26.46/hr (2019) to $33.13/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.71/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 Methuen 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 Methuen
Earnings potential can be particularly favorable for part-time workers, like those who commit to a 24-hour workweek. Such individuals can still manage a respectable income that, when calculated over the year, may approach full-time salaries in other fields. Moreover, per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics who travel for commercial projects can earn additional compensation ranging from $80 to $150 a day, potentially increasing their weekly take-home pay. Seasonal and self-employed contractors often achieve effective hourly rates of $90 to $160, especially during peak times. The industry landscape also reveals variations in pay based on employer type, with residential service companies usually offering performance-based compensation that can significantly enhance earnings. In contrast, some professionals accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Therefore, when negotiating pay, technicians should assess their priorities, considering options that provide financial security, benefits, or higher variable income through commissions.
More salary data for Methuen, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Methuen in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Methuen?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Methuen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Methuen?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Methuen?
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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 Methuen. 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 Methuen 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