Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in East Orange, NJ: $32.10 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in East Orange, NJ runs $32.10 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $66,762 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against East Orange's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.87 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $40,062 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In East Orange, NJ, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a median of $32.10, which is notably higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive hourly rate allows technicians to effectively balance part-time work, typically around three days a week, resulting in a manageable income for those who prefer flexibility. With entry-level positions starting at approximately $21.14 per hour and experienced workers earning up to $49.28, the potential for significant earnings exists within the profession. Moreover, hourly rates are largely determined by job context—ranging from residential service routes to commercial installations and specialized refrigeration setups, providing diverse opportunities for mechanics and installers in East Orange.
About the East Orange 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) | $21.14 | $169.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.55 | $196.43 |
| Median (P50) | $32.10 | $256.81 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.20 | $321.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.28 | $394.27 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Orange
Based on $32.10/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $32.10/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Orange, NJ can expect to earn approximately $66,770 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $38,521. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Orange.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Orange
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,284.05 | $5,564 | $66,770 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $770.43 | $3,339 | $40,062 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $513.62 | $2,226 | $26,708 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (East Orange) | $32.10 |
| 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 East Orange, NJ earn a median of $66,762 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.95% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% above the New Jersey state average of $65,841.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $32.10/hr = $40,062/year (purchasing power: $34,776).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $66,770/year (purchasing power: $57,960).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.70/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.92/hr
2026 Current Est.
$32.10/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in East Orange (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.65/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.30/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.92/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32.10/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33.33/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 East Orange grew 25.2% from $24.70/hr (2019) to $30.92/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $33.33/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 East Orange 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 East Orange
Considering a part-time schedule, a mechanic working 24 hours a week stands to earn a considerable income annually compared to full-time workers. Those in per diem roles, particularly for out-of-town projects, could see additional earnings ranging from $80 to $150 daily on top of their base hourly wage of $30 to $55. Residential service calls often command minimum fees between $90 and $180, allowing for substantial weekday income. Self-employed contractors can achieve effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, while employment types influence hourly compensation. Companies offering full benefits may offer lower wages; therefore, understanding the trade-off between higher hourly pay without benefits and stability can help workers negotiate effectively. With insights into local employers—including residential service providers, commercial HVAC contractors, and manufacturers—mechanics can strategically explore options to maximize their hourly earnings in East Orange.
More salary data for East Orange, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in East Orange in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in East Orange?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in East Orange paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in East Orange?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in East Orange?
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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 East Orange. 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 East Orange 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