Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in University City, MO: $27.36 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in University City, MO runs $27.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,912 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against University City's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.6, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.53 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,141 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In University City, Missouri, professionals working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly rate of $27.36 for 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly wage of $28.93, emphasizing the regional pay difference. For part-time workers, such as those maintaining a three-day workweek, earnings can be calculated based on 24 hours, which would amount to approximately $1,062 per week or around $55,224 annually, assuming consistent hours. The hourly range in University City varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting at $18.20 and top earners reaching $40.26, which reflects the diversity of roles within residential service routes, commercial infrastructure, and self-employed opportunities.
About the University City 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) | $18.20 | $145.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.60 | $172.84 |
| Median (P50) | $27.36 | $218.85 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.10 | $272.84 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.26 | $322.09 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in University City
Based on $27.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.36/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in University City, MO can expect to earn approximately $56,902 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,828. With a cost-of-living index of 89.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in University City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in University City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,094.26 | $4,742 | $56,902 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $656.56 | $2,845 | $34,141 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $437.71 | $1,897 | $22,761 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (University City) | $27.36 |
| 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 University City, MO earn a median of $56,912 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.42% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% below the Missouri state average of $57,720.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.36/hr = $34,141/year (purchasing power: $38,104).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,902/year (purchasing power: $63,506).
CoL index: 89.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.05/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.35/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.36/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in University City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.05/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.85/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.63/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.35/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.40/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 University City grew 25.2% from $21.05/hr (2019) to $26.35/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.40/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 University City 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 University City
Considering the dynamics of part-time versus full-time earnings, a technician working three days a week may find that their annual income is considerably less than full-time counterparts, who benefit from consistent, year-round employment. Many technicians entering the field through agency roles can command a per diem between $80 and $150 for out-of-town jobs, in addition to hourly wages that range from $30 to $55. Residential service minimums typically start at $90 and can go as high as $180 per call. It's worth noting that HVAC mechanics may choose different employment types, trading off hourly wages for benefits or stability. Companies ranging from major franchises to small residential servicers each offer varied compensation structures, influencing the effective pay. Negotiating for higher rates or better benefits is often essential in University City’s market, particularly for those freelancers or contractors who prioritize flexibility over fixed hours.
More salary data for University City, MO:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in University City, MO
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in University City, MO
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in University City, MO
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in University City in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in University City?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in University City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in University City?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in University City?
Related Pages
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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 University City. 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 University City 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