Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in New Bedford, MA: $35.15 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in New Bedford, MA runs $35.15 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,117 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against New Bedford's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,872 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In New Bedford, Massachusetts, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to reach $35.15 in 2026, significantly above the national hourly median of $28.93. This substantial wage indicates a favorable job market for those entering the field, especially when considering part-time and per-diem positions. For mechanics working three days a week, typically 24 hours, this translates to an approximate annual income of around $43,000. For per-diem workers, who serve various settings such as commercial rooftops and data center cooling systems, hourly rates may range from $30 to $55, stacking additional per diem payments that could reach $150 per day based on the job demands. Entry-level workers can expect to earn at least $23.99 per hour, while seasoned professionals may command up to $54.45 per hour, reflecting the diverse opportunities across different sectors within the HVAC industry.
About the New Bedford 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) | $23.99 | $191.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.36 | $226.91 |
| Median (P50) | $35.15 | $281.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.10 | $352.82 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.45 | $435.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in New Bedford
Based on $35.15/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.15/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in New Bedford, MA can expect to earn approximately $73,119 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,184. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in New Bedford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in New Bedford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,406.14 | $6,093 | $73,119 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $843.68 | $3,656 | $43,872 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $562.46 | $2,437 | $29,248 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (New Bedford) | $35.15 |
| 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 New Bedford, MA earn a median of $73,117 per year (2026 est.), which is 21.51% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.70% above the Massachusetts state average of $72,609.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.15/hr = $43,872/year (purchasing power: $40,435).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,119/year (purchasing power: $67,391).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.15/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+59.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in New Bedford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.08/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.84/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.15/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.50/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 New Bedford grew 48.2% from $22.84/hr (2019) to $33.86/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.50/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 New Bedford 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 New Bedford
Evaluating the earnings of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer professionals reveals intriguing differences between full-time and part-time employment. A worker in New Bedford who opts for a part-time schedule, averaging 24 hours a week, might draw an annual pay close to $43,000, whereas full-time counterparts significantly boost their earnings potential with yearly salaries surpassing $70,000. For those in per-diem roles, especially in industrial projects, hourly wages combined with daily per diem compensation create attractive earning potentials, often exceeding $90 or even $160 per hour during peak seasons. Employment types also greatly impact hourly rates; residential service companies like One Hour Heating & Air may offer less but compensate with employee benefits, while self-employed contractors might go for higher rates, targeting the affluent markets of New Bedford. When negotiating pay, potential workers should consider the trade-offs between higher hourly rates and the stability of benefit packages, understanding that specific skills or certifications may enhance their marketability in a dynamic HVAC landscape.
More salary data for New Bedford, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in New Bedford in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in New Bedford?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in New Bedford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in New Bedford?
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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 New Bedford. 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 New Bedford 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