Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in O'Fallon, MO: $27.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in O'Fallon, MO runs $27.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,697 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against O'Fallon's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,620 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In O'Fallon, Missouri, the projected hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer is $27.74, which is slightly lower than the national median of $28.93. This hourly rate offers significant opportunities for part-time and per-diem workers. For those working three days a week, typically around 24 hours, this rate translates into a respectable paycheck while still allowing for a flexible schedule. Entry-level positions in this field can earn as little as $17.63 per hour, while top earners can see rates climb to $42.99 hourly, showcasing a considerable range based on experience and specialization. Typical settings for these mechanics include residential service routes, commercial rooftop units, and specialized environments like data centers or refrigeration cases in supermarkets, where the demand for efficient climate control is consistent.
About the O'Fallon 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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.63 | $141.03 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.35 | $170.76 |
| Median (P50) | $27.74 | $221.93 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.90 | $279.23 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.99 | $343.93 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in O'Fallon
Based on $27.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.74/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in O'Fallon, MO can expect to earn approximately $57,701 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,289. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in O'Fallon.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in O'Fallon
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,109.63 | $4,808 | $57,701 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $665.78 | $2,885 | $34,620 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $443.85 | $1,923 | $23,080 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (O'Fallon) | $27.74 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Auto Service Technician (National Avg) | $24.83 |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in O'Fallon, MO earn a median of $57,697 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.12% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.10% below the Missouri state average of $57,755.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.74/hr = $34,620/year (purchasing power: $38,639).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,701/year (purchasing power: $64,398).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.34/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.72/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in O'Fallon (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.51/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.97/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.72/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.80/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 O'Fallon grew 25.2% from $21.34/hr (2019) to $26.72/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.80/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 O'Fallon 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 O'Fallon
For part-time workers who commit to 24 hours per week, their annual earnings can vary widely depending on the type of work they undertake. Full-time mechanics in this local trade can position themselves to earn significantly more, but those opting for per-diem opportunities often find lucrative pay schedules, with rates above $30 per hour, often complemented by daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150. Self-employed contractors in high-cost markets have the potential to earn between $90 and $160 per hour during peak seasons, although this independence comes with risks and variabilities in income. Each company in O'Fallon, whether they are residential service providers or large commercial contractors, may offer different benefits, weighing higher hourly wages against benefits such as health insurance. Negotiating pay can also vary; understanding the specific employer's pay structure, including potential commission opportunities in residential markets, can make a significant difference in earnings. Therefore, HVAC professionals in O'Fallon must navigate these dynamics to maximize their career satisfaction and income potential.
More salary data for O'Fallon, MO:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in O'Fallon in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in O'Fallon?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in O'Fallon paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in O'Fallon?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in O'Fallon?
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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 O'Fallon. 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 O'Fallon 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