Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Linden, NJ: $31.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Linden, NJ runs $31.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,474 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Linden's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,689 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Linden, NJ stands at a median rate of $31.00. This is notably higher than the national average, which pegged at $28.93 per hour. For those working part-time—perhaps on a typical 3-day work schedule—this rate translates to approximately $624 a week, allowing for a stable income while still enjoying flexibility. Per-diem positions in residential service often lead to additional earnings opportunities as mechanics work on service truck routes or in commercial settings, such as mechanical rooms or supermarket refrigeration units. Entry-level technicians can expect hourly rates starting around $20.30, while top earners in the field may see rates up to $46.30, reflecting a competitive local industry eager to attract skilled professionals.
About the Linden 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) | $20.30 | $162.37 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.20 | $193.60 |
| Median (P50) | $31.00 | $248.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $38.41 | $307.31 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $46.30 | $370.43 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Linden
Based on $31.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.00/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Linden, NJ can expect to earn approximately $64,481 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,201. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Linden.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Linden
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,240.03 | $5,373 | $64,481 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $744.02 | $3,224 | $38,689 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $496.01 | $2,149 | $25,793 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Linden) | $31.00 |
| 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 Linden, NJ earn a median of $64,474 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.15% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $65,857.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.00/hr = $38,689/year (purchasing power: $33,584).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,481/year (purchasing power: $55,973).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Linden (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.80/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.04/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.18/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 Linden grew 25.2% from $23.85/hr (2019) to $29.86/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.18/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 Linden 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 Linden
Within Linden's market, the potential for part-time mechanics is substantial. Working three days a week at this hourly rate can lead to an annual income considerably lower than full-time counterparts, yet still offers a viable path for workers seeking to balance job and personal commitments. For example, per diem roles can pay anywhere from $80 to $150 a day on top of a base rate of $30 to $55 per hour for out-of-town projects, which grants impressive earning flexibility for those willing to travel. As employers range from residential service companies to large commercial contractors, pay can vary significantly; therefore, mechanics may find positions that offer either steady income with benefits or higher hourly rates without health coverage. Value can shift based on individual priorities, emphasizing the need for smart negotiation, especially in a dynamic market like Linden's HVAC industry, where factors such as certifications and experience in emerging technologies are increasingly prized.
More salary data for Linden, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Linden in 2026?
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Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Linden paid hourly or salary?
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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 Linden. 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 Linden 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