Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Grand Rapids, MI: $28.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Grand Rapids, MI runs $28.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,365 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Grand Rapids's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.5, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,618 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Grand Rapids, the prevailing hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $28.54 in 2026, which is slightly below the national median of $28.93. This figure translates into a substantial earning potential for both full-time and part-time workers in the industry. For those engaged in part-time roles, such as working three days a week, their earnings can range significantly, allowing for a balance of income and personal time. The hourly rate varies widely across levels of experience, with entry-level positions starting at around $20.73, while seasoned professionals and top earners can reach $44.86, making it a versatile career path in the local job market. This data is derived from official Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates, indicating a healthy demand for skilled HVAC professionals in Grand Rapids.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.73 | $165.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.22 | $185.80 |
| Median (P50) | $28.54 | $228.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.61 | $292.86 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.86 | $358.88 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Grand Rapids
Based on $28.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.54/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Grand Rapids, MI can expect to earn approximately $59,363 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,248. With a cost-of-living index of 95.55 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Grand Rapids.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Grand Rapids
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,141.60 | $4,947 | $59,363 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $684.96 | $2,968 | $35,618 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $456.64 | $1,979 | $23,745 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Grand Rapids) | $28.54 |
| 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 Grand Rapids, MI earn a median of $59,365 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.34% lower than the national median of $60,174.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.54/hr = $35,618/year (purchasing power: $37,278).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,363/year (purchasing power: $62,131).
CoL index: 95.546 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.11/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Grand Rapids (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.11/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.02/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.63/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.36/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.63/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 Grand Rapids grew 1.4% from $27.11/hr (2019) to $27.49/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.63/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 Grand Rapids 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 Grand Rapids
Looking at the broader context, part-time workers in this field, for example, earning consistent hourly wages over a 24-hour work week, could potentially net around $35,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts but allowing for flexibility. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Grand Rapids for travel assignments can be lucrative, with daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 added to base rates that may start from $30 up to $55 per hour, particularly in larger commercial projects. It's also worth noting that self-employed contractors can command rates between $90 and $160 per hour during peak seasons, reflecting the growing demand driven by the heat pump installation surge and incentives like the IRA tax credits. This diversity in earning potential across different employer types—from residential service companies to industrial HVAC operations—provides mechanics ample opportunities to negotiate their pay. Understanding the trade-offs, such as accepting lower rates for job security and benefits, is essential for navigating the market effectively in Grand Rapids.
More salary data for Grand Rapids, MI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Grand Rapids, MI
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Grand Rapids, MI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Grand Rapids, MI
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Grand Rapids in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Grand Rapids?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Grand Rapids paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Grand Rapids?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Grand Rapids?
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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 Grand Rapids. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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