Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Long Branch, NJ: $30.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Long Branch, NJ runs $30.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,254 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Long Branch's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,546 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Long Branch, NJ, can expect a median hourly rate of $30.89, which is approximately 6.78% higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive wage reflects the varied demands of the job, which often includes traveling to different residential service routes, commercial rooftop units, and specialized environments like data centers. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly pay translates to significant income potential, while part-time opportunities can also offer flexibility. Entry-level technicians might start around $20.05 per hour, while experienced professionals and specialists can reach upwards of $47.88 per hour, underscoring the financial incentives for developing skills and gaining certifications in this field.
About the Long Branch 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) | $20.05 | $160.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.99 | $191.94 |
| Median (P50) | $30.89 | $247.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.26 | $314.12 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $47.88 | $383.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Long Branch
Based on $30.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.89/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Long Branch, NJ can expect to earn approximately $64,244 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,064. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Long Branch.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Long Branch
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,235.46 | $5,354 | $64,244 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $741.27 | $3,212 | $38,546 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $494.18 | $2,141 | $25,698 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Long Branch) | $30.89 |
| 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 Long Branch, NJ earn a median of $64,254 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.78% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.40% below the New Jersey state average of $65,834.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.89/hr = $38,546/year (purchasing power: $33,460).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,244/year (purchasing power: $55,767).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.75/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Long Branch (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.71/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.06/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.94/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.83/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.75/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.07/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 Long Branch grew 25.2% from $23.76/hr (2019) to $29.75/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.07/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 Long Branch 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 Long Branch
In a part-time scenario, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working a standard 24-hour week would take home around $38,000 annually, showcasing a viable earning opportunity compared to full-time positions. For those pursuing per-diem work, travel HVAC technicians can earn between $80 and $150 daily, in addition to their hourly wage. The residential service sector tends to offer strong minimum rates, ranging from $90 to $180 per service call. Employers in Long Branch, such as residential service companies or commercial contractors, may provide varying pay scales. While some may offer lower hourly wages with health benefits, others may pay more but without additional perks. Negotiating effectively, focusing on skill set and certification credentials, is essential for reaching a favorable hourly arrangement in this evolving industry, particularly as demand surges for heat pump installations driven by current tax incentives.
More salary data for Long Branch, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Long Branch in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Long Branch?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Long Branch paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Long Branch?
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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 Long Branch. 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 Long Branch 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