HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Minneapolis, MN: $36.74 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Minneapolis, MN runs $36.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,428 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Minneapolis's regional price level (BEA RPP 104.8, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $35.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,854 per year.

$76,428
Median Annual Salary
$36.74/hr
Hourly Rate
$47,993
Entry Level (P10)
$99,280
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Minneapolis, MN — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Minneapolis, MN heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Minneapolis, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $36.74 in 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $28.93 per hour. This competitive rate places local professionals in a favorable position, reflecting both the market demand and the specialized skills required for the role. Those working part-time, such as on a three-day work schedule, can expect to earn approximately $1,100 weekly, translating to a substantial income for just 24 hours of labor. The hourly wages range from $23.07 for entry-level positions to $47.73 for top earners, indicating robust earning potential across different levels of expertise. This data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS information projected to 2026, highlights the opportunities available in diverse working environments such as residential service routes and commercial settings, including data centers and supermarkets.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$23.07$184.55
Lower Range (P25)$28.62$228.99
Median (P50)$36.74$293.94
Upper Range (P75)$43.94$351.49
Top Earners (P90)$47.73$381.81

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minneapolis

Based on $36.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Minneapolis earning $36.74/hr would make approximately $44,090 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $76,423 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$44,090Reduced (32 hr/wk)$58,787Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$76,423

At $36.74/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minneapolis, MN can expect to earn approximately $76,423 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $44,090. With a cost-of-living index of 104.82 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Minneapolis.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$293.94
per 8hr shift
$1,469.68
per week
$6,369
per month
$76,423
per year

Schedule Comparison in Minneapolis

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,469.68$6,369$76,423
Part-Time (24 hrs)$881.81$3,821$45,854
Per Diem (16 hrs)$587.87$2,547$30,569

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Minneapolis)$36.74
Electrician (National Avg)$31.97
Plumber (National Avg)$32.85
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Auto Service Technician (National Avg)$24.83
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Minneapolis ($76,428) with Minnesota average ($75,597) and the US national median ($60,174).Minneapolis$76,428Minnesota Avg$75,597+1.10%US National$60,174+27.01%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Minneapolis, MN earn a median of $76,428 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.01% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.10% above the Minnesota state average of $75,597.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $36.74/hr = $45,854/year (purchasing power: $43,745).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,423/year (purchasing power: $72,908).

CoL index: 104.822 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$27.56/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$35.39/hr

2026 Current Est.

$36.74/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+38.4%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Minneapolis (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minneapolis. Baseline $27.56/hr in 2025, projected to $38.15/hr by 2027.$25$29$33$37$402019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$27.56$30.72$30.21$37.88$36.90$36.58$35.39$36.74$38.15
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$27.56/hrActual
2020$30.72/hrActual
2021$30.21/hrActual
2022$37.88/hrActual
2023$36.90/hrActual
2024$36.58/hrActual
2025$35.39/hrActual
2026(current)$36.74/hrEstimated
2027$38.15/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minneapolis grew 28.4% from $27.56/hr (2019) to $35.39/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.15/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Minneapolis metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Minneapolis

While part-time workers may earn a steady income, full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can see significant differences in their earnings, especially with opportunities for per-diem work. For instance, per diem professionals on commercial projects often receive an additional $80 to $150 per day. Furthermore, residential service calls can also command high minimums ranging from $90 to $180. Self-employed contractors in Minneapolis can clear rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, presenting a lucrative avenue for skilled technicians. Additionally, rates can vary significantly depending on the employer. Residential service companies may offer varying commission structures, while commercial contractors typically offer salary positions with overtime, but less variability in hourly rates. It's crucial for workers to weigh the trade-offs of hourly pay against benefits such as health insurance, often found in salaried positions. For those negotiating their pay, understanding the local market dynamics and comparing with contractors can lead to favorable agreements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minneapolis in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minneapolis is $36.74/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $23.07 at entry level (10th percentile) to $47.73 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 27.0% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Minneapolis?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Minneapolis earns approximately $3,821/month, or $45,854/year at the median hourly rate of $36.74. Many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minneapolis paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minneapolis are paid hourly at a median rate of $36.74/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $76,423/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Minneapolis?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Minneapolis earns approximately $76,423/year at the median hourly rate of $36.74. This is 27.0% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $99,270/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Minneapolis?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minneapolis sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $47.73/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 Minneapolis. 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

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