Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Portage, MI: $28.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Portage, MI runs $28.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,920 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Portage's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,346 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Portage, Michigan, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $28.32, which is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $28.93. This hourly pay can be particularly favorable for part-time workers, such as those employed for three days a week, as they can still secure a reliable income while managing personal commitments. Typical job settings include residential service routes, commercial rooftop units, and supermarket refrigeration, along with opportunities for self-employed contractors. The hourly range in Portage varies widely from $19.28 for entry-level positions to $43.17 for top earners, reflecting the diverse experiences and expertise within the industry. These estimates, grounded in annual salary data, provide insight into the financial landscape for these professionals in MI.
About the Portage Market
Salary estimated from Michigan average ($60,000) 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) | $19.28 | $154.23 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.66 | $181.31 |
| Median (P50) | $28.32 | $226.58 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.62 | $284.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.17 | $345.35 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Portage
Based on $28.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.32/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Portage, MI can expect to earn approximately $58,910 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,987. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Portage.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Portage
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,132.88 | $4,909 | $58,910 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $679.73 | $2,945 | $35,346 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $453.15 | $1,964 | $23,564 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Portage) | $28.32 |
| 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 Portage, MI earn a median of $58,920 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.08% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.70% below the Michigan state average of $59,335.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.32/hr = $35,346/year (purchasing power: $37,925).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,910/year (purchasing power: $63,208).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Portage (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.98/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.40/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 Portage grew 25.2% from $21.79/hr (2019) to $27.28/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.40/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 Portage 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 Portage
Beyond the initial figures, a part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week could earn a noteworthy income, although less than a full-time counterpart. Travel-oriented roles, such as per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration technicians, can capitalize on higher pay, ranging from $80 to $150 per day alongside an hourly base of $30 to $55; residential service calls yield minimums between $90 and $180. The earnings vary significantly across employer types in Portage, with residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and self-employed contractors each offering unique compensation structures. Some technicians opt for lower hourly rates with benefits, while others may prioritize higher pay with fewer perks. Understanding these dynamics is essential for hourly workers, who might negotiate better terms based on their qualifications, training, and local market conditions in Portage.
More salary data for Portage, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Portage in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Portage?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Portage paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Portage?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Portage?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Michigan
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 Portage. 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 Portage 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