Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Boone, NC: $25.05 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Boone, NC runs $25.05 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,116 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Boone's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.76 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,265 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Boone, NC, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to reach a median rate of $25.05 by 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national median of $28.93 per hour, highlighting the regional market's constraints and cost of living factors. The hourly earnings offer various opportunities for part-time work, such as positions that operate on a three-day work week, providing flexibility and the potential to maintain a work-life balance. For workers in this profession, the pay can vary widely, with entry-level roles starting at approximately $17.16, climbing up to around $35.69 for the highest earners, illustrating the growth potential tied to experience and specialization within the field.
About the Boone Market
Salary estimated from North Carolina average ($52,000) 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) | $17.16 | $137.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.07 | $160.55 |
| Median (P50) | $25.05 | $200.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.19 | $241.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.69 | $285.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boone
Based on $25.05/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.05/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boone, NC can expect to earn approximately $52,108 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,062. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Boone.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boone
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,002.07 | $4,342 | $52,108 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $601.24 | $2,605 | $31,265 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $400.83 | $1,737 | $20,843 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Boone) | $25.05 |
| 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 Boone, NC earn a median of $52,116 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.39% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.60% below the North Carolina state average of $54,628.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.05/hr = $31,265/year (purchasing power: $33,402).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,108/year (purchasing power: $55,671).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.27/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.13/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.05/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Boone (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.27/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.01/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.23/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.66/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.13/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.05/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.01/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 Boone grew 25.2% from $19.27/hr (2019) to $24.13/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.01/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 Boone 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 Boone
Looking at practical implications, a part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week would earn around $25,000 annually, a substantial difference compared to full-time technicians. For those pursuing per diem positions, such as travel HVAC technicians, compensation can be more lucrative, with daily per diem payments ranging from $80 to $150 in addition to hourly wages between $30 and $55. The market reflects a diverse range of employer types in Boone, including residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors, each affecting hourly rates significantly. Self-employed contractors often command higher rates, particularly during peak seasons, benefiting from less competition in high-cost areas. Negotiating hourly pay can hinge on factors such as benefits, job security, and prevalent rates in the region. Mechanics may choose lower hourly wages with benefits, while others might prioritize higher earnings without health insurance. Understanding the local landscape and knowing your worth can be key in discussions.
More salary data for Boone, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Boone in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Boone?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Boone paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Boone?
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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 Boone. 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 Boone 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