Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Clifton, NJ: $31.07 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Clifton, NJ runs $31.07 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,635 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Clifton's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,780 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Clifton, New Jersey, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers averages $31.07, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $28.93. This competitive rate reflects the specialized skills required for tasks such as servicing residential units, commercial rooftop HVAC systems, and refrigeration units in supermarkets. For part-time workers, such as those operating on a typical 3-day workweek, this translates into consistent hourly earnings that can significantly contribute to annual income, depending on hours worked and specific job duties across varied environments. The hourly range for this profession in Clifton spans from $21.32 for entry-level positions to $48.16 for seasoned experts, indicating ample opportunity for growth and specialization.
About the Clifton Market
Salary estimated from New Jersey average ($70,000) 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) | $21.32 | $170.60 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.09 | $200.75 |
| Median (P50) | $31.07 | $248.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.38 | $307.06 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.16 | $385.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Clifton
Based on $31.07/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.07/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Clifton, NJ can expect to earn approximately $64,633 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,288. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Clifton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Clifton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,242.93 | $5,386 | $64,633 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $745.76 | $3,232 | $38,780 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $497.17 | $2,154 | $25,853 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Clifton) | $31.07 |
| 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 Clifton, NJ earn a median of $64,635 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.41% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.90% below the New Jersey state average of $65,887.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.07/hr = $38,780/year (purchasing power: $33,663).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,633/year (purchasing power: $56,105).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.07/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Clifton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.82/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.11/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $38.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.07/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.26/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 Clifton grew 25.2% from $23.91/hr (2019) to $29.93/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.26/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 Clifton 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 Clifton
When examining part-time earnings for those in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field, a technician working just 24 hours a week can expect to bring home around $39,000 annually, a modest but steady income compared to full-time counterparts. For per-diem roles, traveling HVAC techs working on commercial or industrial projects may earn between $80 and $150 daily, stacked on top of an hourly rate ranging from $30 to $55. Additionally, residential service work typically yields minimum charges of $90 to $180 per visit. In Clifton, wages differ based on the type of employer—residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and specialty refrigeration businesses all present unique compensation structures. Some technicians may prefer higher hourly rates without benefits, while others accept lower wages for more comprehensive health insurance packages. Negotiation plays a key role in compensation, and workers are advised to highlight their EPA Section 608 certification and any relevant experience to secure the best hourly rates.
More salary data for Clifton, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Clifton. 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 Clifton 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