HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Chesterfield, MO: $27.50 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Chesterfield, MO runs $27.50 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,212 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Chesterfield's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,322 per year.

$57,212
Median Annual Salary
$27.50/hr
Hourly Rate
$38,624
Entry Level (P10)
$84,806
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Chesterfield, Missouri, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $27.50. When compared to the national hourly median of $28.93, this figure reflects a slight underperformance in Chesterfield's pay scale relative to the broader country. This hourly wage opens opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various environments, such as residential service calls, commercial rooftop systems, and refrigeration installations in supermarkets. Entry-level positions start around $18.57 per hour, while experienced workers can command rates as high as $40.77. These estimates are derived from annual salary data, highlighting the potential earnings range for mechanics and installers within the local area along with their capacity for flexible working hours.

About the Chesterfield Market

Salary estimated from Missouri average ($58,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.57$148.59
Lower Range (P25)$21.90$175.17
Median (P50)$27.50$220.02
Upper Range (P75)$34.49$275.91
Top Earners (P90)$40.77$326.16

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Chesterfield

Based on $27.50/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Chesterfield earning $27.50/hr would make approximately $33,002 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $57,204 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$33,002Reduced (32 hr/wk)$44,003Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$57,204

At $27.50/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Chesterfield, MO can expect to earn approximately $57,204 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,002. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Chesterfield.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$220.02
per 8hr shift
$1,100.08
per week
$4,767
per month
$57,204
per year

Schedule Comparison in Chesterfield

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,100.08$4,767$57,204
Part-Time (24 hrs)$660.05$2,860$34,322
Per Diem (16 hrs)$440.03$1,907$22,882

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Chesterfield)$27.50
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 Chesterfield ($57,212) with Missouri average ($57,732) and the US national median ($60,174).Chesterfield$57,212Missouri Avg$57,732-0.90%US National$60,174-4.92%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Chesterfield, MO earn a median of $57,212 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.92% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.90% below the Missouri state average of $57,732.

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

Working 24h/week at $27.50/hr = $34,322/year (purchasing power: $38,306).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,204/year (purchasing power: $63,844).

CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$21.16/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$26.49/hr

2026 Current Est.

$27.50/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Chesterfield (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 Chesterfield. Baseline $21.16/hr in 2025, projected to $28.55/hr by 2027.$20$22$25$27$302019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$21.16$21.97$21.11$22.31$24.88$24.76$26.49$27.50$28.55
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$21.16/hrActual
2020$21.97/hrActual
2021$21.11/hrActual
2022$22.31/hrActual
2023$24.88/hrActual
2024$24.76/hrActual
2025$26.49/hrActual
2026(current)$27.50/hrEstimated
2027$28.55/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 Chesterfield grew 25.2% from $21.16/hr (2019) to $26.49/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.55/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chesterfield 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 Chesterfield

For part-time workers committing to a 3-day work week at 24 hours, their annual income would typically revolve around $34,320, contrasting significantly with full-time workers who could earn substantially more. The per-diem reality for travel HVAC technicians on out-of-town projects often results in lucrative daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 on top of a base hourly pay falling between $30 and $55, providing excellent earning potential for those willing to travel. The labor market in Chesterfield demonstrates variations in hourly wages depending on employer type, whether it’s residential service companies or commercial HVAC contractors. While some mechanics and installers may opt for lower hourly rates with the security of benefits, others pursue higher pay without health coverage. Understanding these dynamics and negotiating based on specific job demands can lead to better pay outcomes in Chesterfield's competitive HVAC landscape.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chesterfield is $27.50/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $18.57 at entry level (10th percentile) to $40.77 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 4.9% below 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 Chesterfield?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Chesterfield earns approximately $2,860/month, or $34,322/year at the median hourly rate of $27.50. 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 Chesterfield paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chesterfield are paid hourly at a median rate of $27.50/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $57,204/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 Chesterfield?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Chesterfield earns approximately $57,204/year at the median hourly rate of $27.50. This is 4.9% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $84,802/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 Chesterfield?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Chesterfield sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $40.77/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.

Related Pages

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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 Chesterfield. 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 Chesterfield is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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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