Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Watertown, MA: $34.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Watertown, MA runs $34.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,636 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 108.5, 9% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Watertown, Massachusetts, are projected to earn a median hourly pay of $34.44, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive rate indicates lucrative opportunities not just for full-time workers but also for part-time (three days a week) and per-diem workers who typically operate within various environments, from residential service routes to commercial rooftop units and refrigeration setups. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $23.02 per hour, while experienced professionals can command up to $50.86 per hour. Such hourly estimates are derived from annual salary data, demonstrating the potential for a robust earning trajectory in this essential trade, especially in a market like Watertown, where the cost of living is slightly above the national average.
About the Watertown 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) | $23.02 | $184.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.57 | $228.57 |
| Median (P50) | $34.44 | $275.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.21 | $337.71 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.86 | $406.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $34.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.44/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, MA can expect to earn approximately $71,629 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,325. With a cost-of-living index of 108.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,377.48 | $5,969 | $71,629 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $826.49 | $3,581 | $42,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.99 | $2,388 | $28,652 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Watertown) | $34.44 |
| 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 Watertown, MA earn a median of $71,636 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.05% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.30% below the Massachusetts state average of $72,579.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.44/hr = $42,977/year (purchasing power: $39,611).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,629/year (purchasing power: $66,018).
CoL index: 108.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$26.49/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.17/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.49/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.50/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.44/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.17/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.75/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 Watertown grew 25.2% from $26.49/hr (2019) to $33.17/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.75/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
When analyzing part-time earnings, a mechanic or installer working 24 hours per week could bring home approximately $42,653 annually, which allows for a reasonable income but still falls short compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Watertown can vary significantly, with travel technicians on commercial or industrial projects earning daily rates between $80 and $150 on top of an hourly wage that typically ranges from $30 to $55. Those engaged in residential service calls might find minimum charges between $90 and $180. While self-employed contractors in high-cost local markets can achieve effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, they face the challenge of inconsistent income. Employers in the area, including residential service firms and commercial HVAC contractors, may provide different pay structures, with many technicians opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. For those working hourly, especially in a market with diverse opportunities, negotiating for better pay while being clear about the benefits trade-off can significantly enhance both satisfaction and income.
More salary data for Watertown, MA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Watertown?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Watertown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Watertown?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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