Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Reno, NV: $29.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Reno, NV runs $29.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,091 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Reno's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.0, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $29.08 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,655 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reno, NV, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.37 in 2026, exceeding the national hourly median of $28.93. This hourly wage reflects the diverse environments in which these professionals operate, from residential service routes to commercial rooftops and specialized data center cooling systems. Part-time workers, often on a 3-day week schedule, can still achieve significant earnings, while per-diem contractors in the field enjoy additional compensation for travel jobs. The hourly pay varies widely in Reno, with entry-level positions starting at $22.33 and experienced mechanics earning as much as $44.90, based on official BLS projections.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.33 | $178.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.47 | $187.79 |
| Median (P50) | $29.37 | $234.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.65 | $293.19 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.90 | $359.22 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reno
Based on $29.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.37/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reno, NV can expect to earn approximately $61,091 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,245. With a cost-of-living index of 101.01 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Reno.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reno
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,174.83 | $5,091 | $61,091 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.90 | $3,055 | $36,655 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.93 | $2,036 | $24,436 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Reno) | $29.37 |
| 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 Reno, NV earn a median of $61,091 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.52% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 8.70% above the Nevada state average of $56,201.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.37/hr = $36,655/year (purchasing power: $36,287).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,091/year (purchasing power: $60,478).
CoL index: 101.014 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$27.89/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+9.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Reno (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.90/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.49/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 Reno grew 1.4% from $27.89/hr (2019) to $28.29/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.49/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 Reno 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 Reno
Part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers working just three days a week, for a total of 24 hours, would see their annual income dramatically differ from full-time counterparts. While full-time workers can look to make around $61,091 annually, part-timers would typically earn far less, reflecting a reduced commitment to hours without compromising the quality of service they deliver. Per-diem workers engaged in out-of-town projects can command a base rate of $30 to $55 per hour and may also receive additional daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150. Variations in pay exist across employer categories in Reno; residential service companies often operate on commission, while commercial HVAC contractors may offer more stable salaried positions with overtime potential. Workers must weigh the benefits of health insurance offers against opportunities for higher hourly rates, particularly in a market with rising demand for heat pump installations fueled by IRA tax credits. Solid negotiation skills will be crucial for hourly workers aiming to maximize their compensation in this dynamic field.
More salary data for Reno, NV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Reno in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Reno?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Reno paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Reno?
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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 Reno. 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