Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Garner, NC: $25.19 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Garner, NC runs $25.19 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,380 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Garner's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.91 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,433 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Garner, North Carolina, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $25.19, which is notably lower than the national average of $28.93 per hour. This disparity could be attributed to the local cost of living index, which sits at 93.6, indicating that expenses may be relatively lower than the national average. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day work week, this translates to a gross pay of around $1,404 monthly, while per-diem workers, frequently found in commercial settings or emergency repairs, may have different earnings based on location and complexity of the task. The hourly range for this profession in Garner varies significantly, with entry-level roles starting at $17.61 and experienced professionals earning as much as $39.04, illustrating the potential growth within this field.
About the Garner 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) | $17.61 | $140.86 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.58 | $164.62 |
| Median (P50) | $25.19 | $201.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.05 | $256.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.04 | $312.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Garner
Based on $25.19/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.19/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Garner, NC can expect to earn approximately $52,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,224. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Garner.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Garner
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,007.47 | $4,366 | $52,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $604.48 | $2,619 | $31,433 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $402.99 | $1,746 | $20,955 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Garner) | $25.19 |
| 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 Garner, NC earn a median of $52,380 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.95% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.10% below the North Carolina state average of $54,620.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.19/hr = $31,433/year (purchasing power: $33,582).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,388/year (purchasing power: $55,971).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.38/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.26/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.19/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Garner (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.38/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.12/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.43/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.45/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.19/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.15/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 Garner grew 25.2% from $19.38/hr (2019) to $24.26/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.15/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 Garner 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 Garner
Turning to the broader earning potential, part-time technicians working only 24 hours a week may take home significantly less compared to their full-time counterparts. While residential service technicians often receive bonuses or commissions that can elevate earnings to the higher echelons of the profession, ranging from $80-$130k annually in high-volume markets, agency technicians might see pay structures where daily per diem can add considerable value to their base rates of about $30-$55 per hour. Different employer types in Garner, including residential services, commercial HVAC contractors, and refrigeration specialists, shape the pay landscape, with some opting for lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance. Negotiation becomes crucial in securing the best contracts, especially in a competitive job market where commissions on high-efficiency installations or infrastructural support can drive income further, particularly with the rising demand for heat pumps spurred by the IRA tax credits.
More salary data for Garner, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Garner in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Garner?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Garner paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Garner?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Garner?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in North Carolina
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 Garner. 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 Garner 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