Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Ypsilanti, MI: $26.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Ypsilanti, MI runs $26.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,198 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Ypsilanti's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.2, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.47 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,117 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Ypsilanti, Michigan, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $26.54. This figure falls short of the national median of $28.93, reflecting regional variations in the labor market and cost of living. For part-time workers, such as those engaging in a 24-hour workweek, this translates to an annual income of roughly $33,000, underlining the appeal for many to preserve flexibility while still earning a respectable wage. Hourly rates range significantly in Ypsilanti, with entry-level technicians starting around $19.29 and experienced professionals reaching up to $39.98. The nature of the work spans diverse environments, including residential service routes and commercial applications, allowing for varied income potentials. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for self-employed contractors who may negotiate their rates based on demand and expertise across multiple settings.
About the Ypsilanti 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) | $19.29 | $154.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.04 | $176.33 |
| Median (P50) | $26.54 | $212.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.26 | $266.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.98 | $319.85 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Ypsilanti
Based on $26.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.54/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Ypsilanti, MI can expect to earn approximately $55,196 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,844. With a cost-of-living index of 93.20 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Ypsilanti.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Ypsilanti
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,061.46 | $4,600 | $55,196 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $636.87 | $2,760 | $33,117 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $424.58 | $1,840 | $22,078 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Ypsilanti) | $26.54 |
| 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 Ypsilanti, MI earn a median of $55,198 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.27% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.00% below the Michigan state average of $59,353.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.54/hr = $33,117/year (purchasing power: $35,534).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,196/year (purchasing power: $59,223).
CoL index: 93.2 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.56/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ypsilanti (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.55/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 Ypsilanti grew 25.2% from $20.42/hr (2019) to $25.56/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.55/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 Ypsilanti 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 Ypsilanti
Evaluating the earning potential for those choosing part-time work as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ypsilanti reveals both challenges and advantages. A 3-day workweek for these professionals can result in annual take-home amounts significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, which is a key factor in deciding between part-time and full-time employment. Meanwhile, those engaged in per-diem or agency work have a different financial landscape, often collecting daily rates that can supplement their hourly earnings. For travel HVAC technicians working on projects outside the area, per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Ypsilanti can range from $80 to $150 on top of a base rate of $30 to $55 per hour, while service call minimums hover around $90 to $180. Meanwhile, self-employed contractors who command higher rates can effectively clear between $90 and $160 per hour during peak seasons. Hourly pay structure also differs across various employer types, with residential service companies possibly offering lower base rates in exchange for health benefits, while commercial HVAC contractors might provide a more stable salary but with less variability. Understanding these dynamics can empower technicians in Ypsilanti to negotiate more effectively, weighing the trade-offs between hourly wages without benefits versus higher rates that provide no additional security.
More salary data for Ypsilanti, MI:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Ypsilanti. 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 Ypsilanti 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