Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Passaic, NJ: $30.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Passaic, NJ runs $30.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $64,458 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Passaic's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.2, 15% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.90 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $38,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Passaic, New Jersey, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $30.99, which is notably higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive pay reflects the region's demand for skilled technicians across various sectors, including residential service, commercial building maintenance, and precision cooling for data centers. Workers in this field can expect an hourly range from $21.14 at the entry level to $48.04 for top earners. For those engaged in part-time work, such as a 24-hour workweek, this hourly rate can translate to a substantial income, while per-diem roles—common for installers and mechanics on commercial or industrial projects—add significant earning potential. Salaries are informed by annual income figures, projecting a robust opportunity for individuals in this trade throughout 2026.
About the Passaic 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) | $24.93 | $199.42 |
| Median (P50) | $30.99 | $247.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $39.67 | $317.36 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $48.04 | $384.30 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Passaic
Based on $30.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.99/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Passaic, NJ can expect to earn approximately $64,460 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,188. With a cost-of-living index of 115.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Passaic.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Passaic
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,239.61 | $5,372 | $64,460 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $743.77 | $3,223 | $38,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $495.84 | $2,149 | $25,784 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Passaic) | $30.99 |
| 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 Passaic, NJ earn a median of $64,458 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.12% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.10% below the New Jersey state average of $65,840.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.99/hr = $38,676/year (purchasing power: $33,573).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $64,460/year (purchasing power: $55,955).
CoL index: 115.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$23.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Passaic (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.79/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.03/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $37.95/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.17/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 Passaic grew 25.2% from $23.84/hr (2019) to $29.85/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.17/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 Passaic 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 Passaic
Part-time mechanics and installers, working three days a week, could see their annual take-home earnings differ significantly from full-time workers. A 24-hour work week at the hourly median could yield about $38,000 a year, a respectable income, yet less than full-time counterparts in Passaic. Travel and per diem roles present additional opportunities, where technicians can earn between $80-$150 a day for lodging and meals atop an hourly base of $30-$55. For residential service calls, minimum charges often fall between $90 and $180, while self-employed contractors in high-cost areas can charge as much as $90-$160 per hour during peak seasons. Various employer types—ranging from residential service companies to commercial contractors and manufacturer support—often result in differing hourly rates. Technicians might opt for slightly lower pay in exchange for benefits like health insurance, which can vary widely by employer. When negotiating hourly pay in Passaic, experienced workers should emphasize their certifications, such as EPA Section 608 or NATE, to strengthen their position.
More salary data for Passaic, NJ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Passaic in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Passaic?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Passaic paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Passaic?
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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 Passaic. 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 Passaic 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