Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Carrboro, NC: $24.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Carrboro, NC runs $24.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,463 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Carrboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.43 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,876 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carrboro, North Carolina, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $24.74 in 2026. This figure is approximately 14.48% lower than the national hourly median of $28.93, indicating a regional gap in compensation. For part-time workers, such as those taking on shifts three days a week, this means a potential annual income of roughly $30,074, significantly less than what full-time workers earn. The hourly range for this profession in Carrboro varies widely, with entry-level positions earning around $16.33 and experienced professionals or top earners making up to $35.56. Most opportunities arise in residential service calls, commercial HVAC projects, or specialized refrigeration roles, all critical to the community's infrastructure and comfort.
About the Carrboro 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) | $16.33 | $130.65 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.95 | $167.61 |
| Median (P50) | $24.74 | $197.92 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.95 | $239.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.56 | $284.47 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carrboro
Based on $24.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.74/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carrboro, NC can expect to earn approximately $51,460 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,688. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carrboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Carrboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $989.61 | $4,288 | $51,460 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $593.77 | $2,573 | $30,876 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $395.84 | $1,715 | $20,584 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Carrboro) | $24.74 |
| 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 Carrboro, NC earn a median of $51,463 per year (2026 est.), which is 14.48% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.70% below the North Carolina state average of $54,573.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.74/hr = $30,876/year (purchasing power: $32,987).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,460/year (purchasing power: $54,978).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Carrboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.99/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.69/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 Carrboro grew 25.2% from $19.03/hr (2019) to $23.83/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.69/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 Carrboro 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 Carrboro
Part-time technicians in Carrboro can make a comfortable living, but the realities of this career vary based on employment settings. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Carrboro can be appealing, as traveling technicians may earn additional per-diem rates between $80 and $150 daily on top of their base hourly wages of $30 to $55. Residential service jobs often have minimum service call fees ranging from $90 to $180, which can enhance overall earnings in that sector. Employers like multi-location franchises, commercial HVAC contractors, and refrigeration specialty firms often provide differing rates; however, self-employed contractors in high-cost areas can earn $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. The decision to accept lower hourly rates for stable employment benefits, such as health insurance, often reflects personal priorities. Workers in Carrboro should negotiate hourly rates thoughtfully, considering both compensation and the trade-offs associated with different employer types.
More salary data for Carrboro, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carrboro in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Carrboro?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carrboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Carrboro?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Carrboro?
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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 Carrboro. 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 Carrboro 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