Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Valley Stream, NY: $28.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Valley Stream, NY runs $28.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,166 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Valley Stream's regional price level (BEA RPP 115.9, 16% above national), each hour of work buys what $24.96 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,097 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Valley Stream, New York, professionals in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $28.92. This figure is slightly below the national median of $28.93, highlighting a competitive but nuanced local market. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work schedule, this translates to approximately $1,040 weekly before taxes, which may suit individuals seeking supplemental income or flexibility. The hourly pay range is broad, starting at around $18.40 for entry-level positions and reaching up to $44.57 for the highest earners, revealing opportunities for well-trained technicians across various settings, from residential service routes to industrial settings like data centers and supermarkets. This hourly rate is based on the annual salary data projected for 2026, offering insights into earning potential and job demand in the region.
About the Valley Stream 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) | $18.40 | $147.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.04 | $192.36 |
| Median (P50) | $28.92 | $231.39 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.59 | $292.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.57 | $356.56 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Valley Stream
Based on $28.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.92/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Valley Stream, NY can expect to earn approximately $60,162 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,709. With a cost-of-living index of 115.90 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Valley Stream.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Valley Stream
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,156.97 | $5,014 | $60,162 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $694.18 | $3,008 | $36,097 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.79 | $2,005 | $24,065 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Valley Stream) | $28.92 |
| 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 Valley Stream, NY earn a median of $60,166 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.01% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.90% below the New York state average of $61,963.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.92/hr = $36,097/year (purchasing power: $31,145).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,162/year (purchasing power: $51,909).
CoL index: 115.9 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.25/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.86/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Valley Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.25/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.10/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.47/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.17/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.02/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.86/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.03/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 Valley Stream grew 25.2% from $22.25/hr (2019) to $27.86/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.03/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 Valley Stream 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 Valley Stream
For those considering part-time work, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer who works 24 hours a week could realistically expect to earn around $53,000 annually, significantly less than full-time workers. Per-diem opportunities can boost income substantially, with travel techs earning between $80 and $150 per day in addition to hourly wages of $30 to $55 while on assignment. Residential service calls usually have minimums ranging from $90 to $180, depending on the company. In Valley Stream, the pay rates may differ based on employer type; residential service companies might offer lower hourly rates for positions with benefits like health insurance, while specialized contractors in commercial environments often pay handsomely for the expertise. Mechanics might find themselves negotiating terms effectively by leveraging their certifications, including EPA Section 608 and NATE, ensuring they are compensated fairly in a landscape where skill and adaptability are increasingly valuable.
More salary data for Valley Stream, NY:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Valley Stream, NY
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Valley Stream, NY
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Valley Stream, NY
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Valley Stream in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Valley Stream?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Valley Stream paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Valley Stream?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Valley Stream?
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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 Valley Stream. 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 Valley Stream 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