Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Somerville, MA: $35.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Somerville, MA runs $35.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $73,567 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Somerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.60 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,144 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Somerville, Massachusetts, earn a median hourly rate of $35.37, which is significantly higher than the national hourly median of $28.93. This rate translates to favorable earning potential for those in part-time or per-diem positions, common in settings such as residential service routes, commercial building rooftops, and supermarket refrigeration units. For instance, a mechanic working part-time three days a week would see substantial earnings, especially considering the hourly range from $23.29 for entry-level positions to rates as high as $54.29 for experienced professionals. These estimates stem from annual salary data, reflecting both entry-level and top-tier earnings for individuals working in this specialized field.
About the Somerville 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) | $23.29 | $186.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.82 | $222.59 |
| Median (P50) | $35.37 | $282.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.29 | $354.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.29 | $434.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Somerville
Based on $35.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.37/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Somerville, MA can expect to earn approximately $73,573 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,446. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Somerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Somerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,414.86 | $6,131 | $73,573 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $848.92 | $3,679 | $44,144 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $565.94 | $2,452 | $29,429 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Somerville) | $35.37 |
| 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 Somerville, MA earn a median of $73,567 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.26% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% above the Massachusetts state average of $72,551.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.37/hr = $44,144/year (purchasing power: $40,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $73,573/year (purchasing power: $67,809).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.21/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.07/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Somerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.21/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.25/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.16/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.70/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.00/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.07/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.72/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 Somerville grew 25.2% from $27.21/hr (2019) to $34.07/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.72/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 Somerville 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 Somerville
For those considering part-time roles, a three-day week typically yields about 24 hours, resulting in a potential annual take-home that remains competitive compared to full-time positions. In Somerville, per-diem roles can elevate earnings with offered rates between $80 and $150 for travel HVAC technicians, augmented by base pay of $30 to $55 per hour. Residential service work often guarantees minimum callouts ranging from $90 to $180, while self-employed contractors in high-cost local markets can earn between $90 and $160 per hour during peak seasons. Hourly compensation differs among employer types; residential service companies, commercial contractors, and manufacturer technical support all offer varied pay structures. Some professionals balance their pay against benefits like health insurance, choosing roles that provide stability over those with just higher pay. Negotiation tips for hourly workers in Somerville include emphasizing relevant experience and certifications, such as the EPA Section 608, when discussing compensation, especially in the growing heat pump installation market.
More salary data for Somerville, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Somerville in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Somerville?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Somerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Somerville?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Somerville?
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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 Somerville. 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 Somerville 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