Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Mint Hill, NC: $25.74 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Mint Hill, NC runs $25.74 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,533 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Mint Hill's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.50 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,120 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mint Hill, North Carolina, the typical heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earns a median hourly pay of $25.74, which is notably lower than the national median of $28.93 per hour. This rate suggests that professionals in this field, especially those engaged in part-time work or per-diem positions, can earn a significant amount depending on their work schedules and assignments. For instance, a technician working three days a week could still make a decent living, especially in residential service roles, where they might assist with installations and repairs at various sites, including homes, commercial buildings, and specialized facilities like supermarkets with refrigerated cases. The hourly wage spectrum ranges from $16.80 for entry-level roles to as much as $38.58 for top earners, providing ample opportunities for growth within the profession.
About the Mint Hill 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) | $16.80 | $134.38 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.14 | $161.13 |
| Median (P50) | $25.74 | $205.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.89 | $255.15 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.58 | $308.64 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mint Hill
Based on $25.74/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.74/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mint Hill, NC can expect to earn approximately $53,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,884. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mint Hill.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mint Hill
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,029.48 | $4,461 | $53,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $617.69 | $2,677 | $32,120 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.79 | $1,784 | $21,413 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Mint Hill) | $25.74 |
| 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 Mint Hill, NC earn a median of $53,533 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.04% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.00% below the North Carolina state average of $54,625.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.74/hr = $32,120/year (purchasing power: $34,316).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,533/year (purchasing power: $57,193).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.79/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.74/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mint Hill (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.56/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.79/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.74/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.72/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 Mint Hill grew 25.2% from $19.80/hr (2019) to $24.79/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.72/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 Mint Hill 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 Mint Hill
For those considering part-time positions, working a 24-hour week as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer translates to an estimated annual income below that of full-time colleagues, offering a viable option for maintaining work-life balance. Meanwhile, per-diem roles at different locations can provide lucrative financial benefits, with daily rates ranging from $80 to $150 on top of hourly wages averaging between $30 and $55. Depending on the employer, rates vary: residential service companies may offer premiums through commission structures, while commercial HVAC contractors and larger data center operations typically provide standardized salary packages. Important conversations around benefits versus higher hourly pay are common in this field. Some mechanics may opt for lower hourly wages at companies offering health insurance, choosing security over potential earnings. Effective negotiation strategies involve understanding employer expectations and leveraging skills from certifications like EPA Section 608, which can enhance a technician's appeal across diverse job opportunities in Mint Hill, NC.
More salary data for Mint Hill, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mint Hill in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mint Hill?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mint Hill paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Mint Hill?
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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 Mint Hill. 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 Mint Hill 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