Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Utica, NY: $29.34 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Utica, NY runs $29.34 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,032 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Utica's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,616 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Utica, New York, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $29.34 in 2026, slightly higher than the national median of $28.93. This hourly rate offers viable opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers, especially those in residential service positions or those operating service trucks traversing local neighborhoods. For individuals working three days a week, this translates to a gross figure of about $22,048 annually, making it a compelling option for those seeking flexible schedules. Entry-level positions start at an estimated $20.49 per hour, while experienced professionals at the top end of the salary spectrum can earn up to $42.68 per hour, reflecting a diverse range of opportunities based on skill and experience in various environments such as residential units, commercial buildings, and industrial refrigeration systems.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $20.49 | $163.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.75 | $190.03 |
| Median (P50) | $29.34 | $234.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.11 | $288.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.68 | $341.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Utica
Based on $29.34/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.34/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Utica, NY can expect to earn approximately $61,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,207. With a cost-of-living index of 92.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Utica.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Utica
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,173.58 | $5,086 | $61,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $704.15 | $3,051 | $36,616 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $469.43 | $2,034 | $24,410 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Utica) | $29.34 |
| 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 Utica, NY earn a median of $61,032 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.43% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.50% below the New York state average of $61,961.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.34/hr = $36,616/year (purchasing power: $39,509).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,026/year (purchasing power: $65,848).
CoL index: 92.678 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.74/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.34/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+40.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Utica (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.74/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.04/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.39/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.53/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.34/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.46/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 Utica grew 30.0% from $21.74/hr (2019) to $28.26/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.46/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 Utica 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 Utica
Analyzing the earning potential for part-time work, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer clocking in 24 hours a week could take home around $22,048 each year. However, per-diem roles come with distinct advantages, offering heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers significant daily compensation, ranging from $80 to $150 on top of hourly rates of $30 to $55. In residential service, minimum service call fees range from $90 to $180, while self-employed contractors in high-cost areas might earn $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. Hourly rates can vary significantly based on employer types, with residential companies often offering competitive base pay but with additional benefits tied to performance. While many opt for lower hourly wages in exchange for health insurance and stability, others prefer the higher pay available without benefits. Those working in Utica's heating and cooling sector should consider negotiating strategically, understanding the unique demands and compensation structures of different employers to maximize their earning potential.
More salary data for Utica, NY:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Utica. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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