Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Faribault, MN: $34.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Faribault, MN runs $34.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Faribault's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,861 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Faribault, Minnesota, those working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect an hourly median pay of $34.34, notably higher than the national median of $28.93. This difference reflects the local demand for skilled technicians proficient in servicing residential systems, commercial building units, and specialized refrigeration setups. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this hourly wage translates to a substantial income even without full-time hours. Entry-level positions might see rates starting around $22.94, while the top earners can make $51.47 per hour in this field. This range showcases the varied opportunities available in Faribault, where the cost of living is slightly below the national average.
About the Faribault Market
Salary estimated from Minnesota average ($66,000) 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) | $22.94 | $183.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.06 | $216.44 |
| Median (P50) | $34.34 | $274.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.98 | $343.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.47 | $411.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Faribault
Based on $34.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.34/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Faribault, MN can expect to earn approximately $71,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,212. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Faribault.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Faribault
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,373.75 | $5,953 | $71,435 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $824.25 | $3,572 | $42,861 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $549.50 | $2,381 | $28,574 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Faribault) | $34.34 |
| 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 Faribault, MN earn a median of $71,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.71% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 5.50% below the Minnesota state average of $75,590.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.34/hr = $42,861/year (purchasing power: $43,514).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,435/year (purchasing power: $72,523).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.42/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.08/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Faribault (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.42/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.07/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.08/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.66/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 Faribault grew 25.2% from $26.42/hr (2019) to $33.08/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.66/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 Faribault 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 Faribault
For those considering part-time work, a 3-day week totaling 24 hours would yield a take-home income well above what many other fields might offer. Depending on experience and employer type, part-time mechanics might earn an annual income approaching $52,000, although this figure can fluctuate significantly based on the specific job duties and project nature. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Faribault often ranges from $30 to $55 hourly, with additional per diem benefits of $80 to $150 daily for travel assignments, making it an enticing option for those willing to work out of town. Self-employed contractors can also capitalize on the growing residential demand, particularly through the installation of energy-efficient heat pumps driven by the recent IRA tax credit incentives. Employers vary from local residential service companies to large commercial operations, and hourly rates can shift depending on the trade-off between income and benefits, like health insurance. For those entering negotiations, showcasing certifications such as EPA Section 608 or NATE can strengthen their position in discussions about hourly pay and benefits in this competitive field in Faribault.
More salary data for Faribault, MN:
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 Faribault. 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 Faribault 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