Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Jersey City, NJ: $37.61 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Jersey City, NJ runs $37.61 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $78,241 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Jersey City's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $46,942 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Jersey City, the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $37.61 in 2026, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This robust wage provides ample opportunity for part-time workers, especially those operating on a three-day workweek, ideally earning about $1,810 weekly, translating to an annualized figure that appeals to those seeking supplemental income. Individuals in this profession often work in varied settings, from residential service routes to commercial rooftops and mechanical rooms, and their hourly earnings range considerably—from an entry-level wage of $23.05 to top earners making upwards of $58.31. These estimates derive from annual salary projections and reflect the labor demand in the region, suggesting a healthy market for HVAC technicians.
About the Jersey City 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) | $23.05 | $184.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.58 | $228.65 |
| Median (P50) | $37.61 | $300.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $47.95 | $383.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $58.31 | $466.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Jersey City
Based on $37.61/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $37.61/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Jersey City, NJ can expect to earn approximately $78,237 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $45,137. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Jersey City.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Jersey City
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,504.56 | $6,520 | $78,237 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $902.74 | $3,912 | $46,942 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $601.82 | $2,608 | $31,295 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Jersey City) | $37.61 |
| 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 Jersey City, NJ earn a median of $78,241 per year (2026 est.), which is 30.02% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 18.80% above the New Jersey state average of $65,859.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $37.61/hr = $46,942/year (purchasing power: $40,748).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $78,237/year (purchasing power: $67,914).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$28.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$36.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$37.61/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Jersey City (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $34.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $36.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $37.61/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $39.05/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 Jersey City grew 25.2% from $28.94/hr (2019) to $36.23/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $39.05/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 Jersey 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 Jersey City
Part-time mechanics working 24 hours weekly can expect to take home around $47,800 annually, a solid figure that contrasts with full-time income potential. Those operating on a per-diem basis, especially for out-of-town projects, enjoy additional compensation, earning between $30-$55 per hour along with daily per-diem rates between $80-$150. However, residential service calls can command minimum fees ranging from $90-$180, ensuring lucrative earning opportunities. The employer type dramatically impacts hourly pay; self-employed contractors may achieve effective rates between $90-$160 during peak seasons, while HVAC companies tend to offer varying rates based on their client base, from residential franchises to commercial contractors. Mechanics often face the decision of lower hourly wages with benefits or higher rates without coverage. Negotiation strategies in Jersey City should focus on demonstrating expertise and staying up-to-date with certifications like EPA Section 608 and NATE, as well as understanding the impact of current trends in HVAC technology and installation practices.
More salary data for Jersey City, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Jersey City in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Jersey City?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Jersey City paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Jersey City?
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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 Jersey 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 Jersey 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