HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Niagara Falls, NY: $29.36 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Niagara Falls, NY runs $29.36 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,070 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Niagara Falls's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.33 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,642 per year.

$61,070
Median Annual Salary
$29.36/hr
Hourly Rate
$40,616
Entry Level (P10)
$89,804
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Niagara Falls, NY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Niagara Falls, NY heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In 2026, the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls is projected to be $29.36, slightly higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive pay reflects the demand for skilled technicians in various settings, such as residential service routes, commercial rooftop units, and refrigeration systems in supermarkets. For those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, earning $29.36 per hour translates to substantial income, especially when factoring in jobs that may require short-term travel or specialized tasks. Entry-level technicians can expect to start at around $19.53 per hour, while those at the top of the pay scale can earn as much as $43.18 per hour, illustrating a wide range of potential earnings based on experience, skills, and job environment.

About the Niagara Falls Market

Salary estimated from New York average ($74,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$19.53$156.23
Lower Range (P25)$23.15$185.21
Median (P50)$29.36$234.88
Upper Range (P75)$35.96$287.71
Top Earners (P90)$43.18$345.43

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Niagara Falls

Based on $29.36/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Niagara Falls earning $29.36/hr would make approximately $35,232 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $61,069 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$35,232Reduced (32 hr/wk)$46,976Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$61,069

At $29.36/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Niagara Falls, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,069 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,232. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Niagara Falls.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$234.88
per 8hr shift
$1,174.41
per week
$5,089
per month
$61,069
per year

Schedule Comparison in Niagara Falls

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,174.41$5,089$61,069
Part-Time (24 hrs)$704.65$3,053$36,642
Per Diem (16 hrs)$469.76$2,036$24,428

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Niagara Falls)$29.36
Electrician (National Avg)$31.97
Plumber (National Avg)$32.85
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Auto Service Technician (National Avg)$24.83
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Niagara Falls ($61,070) with New York average ($62,000) and the US national median ($60,174).Niagara Falls$61,070New York Avg$62,000-1.50%US National$60,174+1.49%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Niagara Falls, NY earn a median of $61,070 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.49% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $62,000.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $29.36/hr = $36,642/year (purchasing power: $31,615).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,069/year (purchasing power: $52,691).

CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$22.59/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$28.28/hr

2026 Current Est.

$29.36/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Niagara Falls (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls. Baseline $22.59/hr in 2025, projected to $30.48/hr by 2027.$19$25$32$38$442019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$22.59$23.45$22.54$23.82$26.56$40.62$28.28$29.36$30.48
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$22.59/hrActual
2020$23.45/hrActual
2021$22.54/hrActual
2022$23.82/hrActual
2023$26.56/hrActual
2024$40.62/hrActual
2025$28.28/hrActual
2026(current)$29.36/hrEstimated
2027$30.48/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls grew 25.2% from $22.59/hr (2019) to $28.28/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.48/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Niagara Falls metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Niagara Falls

For part-time workers clocking in approximately 24 hours a week, annual earnings differ significantly from their full-time counterparts. While a full-time mechanic could expect to earn a substantial income, part-timers may still bring home a respectable amount based on their available hours. Those taking on per-diem work in Niagara Falls often encounter a dynamic earning landscape; they can receive additional pay ranging from $80 to $150 daily for travel, atop their hourly wage which can range between $30 and $55. In residential service companies, where commission structures are common, technicians may see their earnings pushed to a higher bracket, but with added pressure to meet targets. Interestingly, a trade-off exists as some technicians opt for positions with lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. When evaluating opportunities, workers should consider factors such as job security, growth prospects, and the nuances of hourly pay across different types of employers, including larger commercial HVAC operations and self-employment routes, where earning can peak significantly during busy seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls is $29.36/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $19.53 at entry level (10th percentile) to $43.18 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 1.5% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Niagara Falls?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Niagara Falls earns approximately $3,053/month, or $36,642/year at the median hourly rate of $29.36. Many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls are paid hourly at a median rate of $29.36/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $61,069/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Niagara Falls?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Niagara Falls earns approximately $61,069/year at the median hourly rate of $29.36. This is 1.5% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $89,812/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Niagara Falls?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $43.18/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 Niagara Falls. 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 Niagara Falls is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

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

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