Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Moorhead, MN: $34.97 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Moorhead, MN runs $34.97 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,726 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Moorhead's regional price level (BEA RPP 98.5, 1% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,638 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Moorhead, MN, the projected hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $34.97. This rate is notably higher than the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting the local labor market's demand for skilled technicians in various settings, including residential service routes and commercial environments. For part-time workers, such as those on a 3-day-per-week schedule, this translates into approximately $27,000 annually, as opposed to their full-time counterparts. Entry-level technicians may start at around $24.74 per hour, while top earners can see rates reaching $54.19 per hour. These figures are derived from annual salary data but are important in understanding employee earning potential on a weekly or per-diem basis among the diverse roles within the HVAC industry in Moorhead.
About the Moorhead 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) | $24.74 | $197.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.68 | $229.40 |
| Median (P50) | $34.97 | $279.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.59 | $340.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $54.19 | $433.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Moorhead
Based on $34.97/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.97/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Moorhead, MN can expect to earn approximately $72,730 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,960. With a cost-of-living index of 98.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Moorhead.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Moorhead
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,398.66 | $6,061 | $72,730 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $839.20 | $3,637 | $43,638 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $559.47 | $2,424 | $29,092 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Moorhead) | $34.97 |
| 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 Moorhead, MN earn a median of $72,726 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.86% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.80% below the Minnesota state average of $75,599.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.97/hr = $43,638/year (purchasing power: $44,303).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,730/year (purchasing power: $73,838).
CoL index: 98.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.90/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.97/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Moorhead (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.90/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.85/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.97/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.30/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 Moorhead grew 25.2% from $26.90/hr (2019) to $33.68/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.30/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 Moorhead 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 Moorhead
For those considering part-time work in this field, earnings can significantly vary. A part-time worker can expect to take home approximately $27,000 annually while full-time employees often target higher incomes. Per-diem workers, commonly engaged in out-of-town projects, are known to receive compensation that can range from $80 to $150 per day in addition to hourly rates ranging from $30 to $55. Residential service calls typically have minimums of $90 to $180, and self-employed contractors can command effective rates between $90 and $160 per hour during peak periods. Employers in Moorhead, including residential service companies, commercial contractors, and manufacturers, often offer fluctuating rates based on the nature and complexity of the work. Some mechanics may opt for lower hourly pay in exchange for benefits such as health insurance, while others pursue the potential for higher compensation without benefits. For prospective technicians, negotiations might focus on emphasizing skill sets related to new refrigerants and demand driven by heat pump installations, especially as training opportunities evolve with industry standards.
More salary data for Moorhead, MN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Moorhead in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Moorhead?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Moorhead paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Moorhead?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Moorhead?
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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 Moorhead. 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 Moorhead 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