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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Niagara Falls
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.45/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.56/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.36/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.48/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 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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Niagara Falls 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 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.
More salary data for Niagara Falls, NY:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Niagara Falls, NY
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Niagara Falls, NY
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Niagara Falls, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Niagara Falls?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Niagara Falls paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Niagara Falls?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Niagara Falls?
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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 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).
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