Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Cary, NC: $27.79 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Cary, NC runs $27.79 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,816 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Cary's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,685 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cary, North Carolina, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $27.79, slightly below the national median of $28.93. This competitive wage translates to meaningful earnings for those working part-time or on a per-diem basis. For instance, a mechanic working three days a week can expect to earn around $2,102 monthly, making it an attractive option for those balancing multiple jobs or pursuing additional training. The hourly pay ranges significantly, starting at $18.84 for entry-level positions and extending to $43.09 for top-tier earners, illustrating how experience and specialization can dramatically influence income. Work environments vary from residential service routes to commercial mechanical rooms, each impacting earning potential, with per-diem opportunities available across various project types in the HVAC landscape of Cary.
About the Cary 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) | $18.84 | $150.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.36 | $178.90 |
| Median (P50) | $27.79 | $222.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.82 | $278.57 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.09 | $344.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cary
Based on $27.79/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.79/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cary, NC can expect to earn approximately $57,809 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,351. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cary.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cary
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.70 | $4,817 | $57,809 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $667.02 | $2,890 | $34,685 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.68 | $1,927 | $23,123 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Cary) | $27.79 |
| 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 Cary, NC earn a median of $57,816 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.92% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.90% above the North Carolina state average of $54,595.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.79/hr = $34,685/year (purchasing power: $37,057).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,809/year (purchasing power: $61,761).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.79/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Cary (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.20/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.79/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.85/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 Cary grew 25.2% from $21.38/hr (2019) to $26.77/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.85/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 Cary 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 Cary
Examining the financial dynamics of part-time versus full-time positions reveals interesting insights for professionals in this field. A mechanic working a 24-hour week might take home nearly $25,224 annually, which can provide a decent income while maintaining flexibility. Those who pursue per-diem roles can greatly enhance their earnings, as they often receive compensation of $80 to $150 daily along with base rates between $30 and $55 per hour. Seasonal demand for cooling systems can elevate residential service minimums to between $90 and $180. Mechanics working for residential service companies often experience a commission structure that can increase their earnings, pushing them into the higher income brackets during peak seasons. Self-employed contractors in high-cost-of-living areas can effectively earn $90 to $160 per hour, illustrating the trade-offs between hourly wage and benefits that many in this profession consider. Effective negotiation strategies can help HVAC workers in Cary achieve desirable pay rates, especially in a market where experience and certifications like EPA Section 608 and NATE hold immense value.
More salary data for Cary, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cary in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Cary?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cary paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Cary?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Cary?
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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 Cary. 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 Cary 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