Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Sanford, NC: $25.88 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Sanford, NC runs $25.88 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,834 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Sanford's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.65 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,301 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sanford, North Carolina, individuals in the role of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer can expect a median hourly pay of $25.88. This figure sits below the national hourly median of $28.93, indicating a slight discrepancy that professionals in the area may need to consider. For part-time workers, like those operating on a three-day work week, this hourly rate translates to a reasonable $31,458 annually, allowing for flexibility while still delivering substantial earnings. The hourly range for this occupation in Sanford spans from $17.14 for entry-level positions to about $39.08 for top earners, catering to various levels of experience, technical skills, and types of employment settings, including residential service routes, commercial environments, and self-employed contractor gigs.
About the Sanford 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) | $17.14 | $137.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.43 | $163.45 |
| Median (P50) | $25.88 | $207.06 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $32.25 | $257.97 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.08 | $312.62 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sanford
Based on $25.88/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.88/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sanford, NC can expect to earn approximately $53,835 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,059. With a cost-of-living index of 93.60 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sanford.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sanford
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,035.29 | $4,486 | $53,835 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $621.18 | $2,692 | $32,301 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $414.12 | $1,795 | $21,534 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Sanford) | $25.88 |
| 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 Sanford, NC earn a median of $53,834 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.54% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.40% below the North Carolina state average of $54,598.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.88/hr = $32,301/year (purchasing power: $34,510).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,835/year (purchasing power: $57,516).
CoL index: 93.6 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.91/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.93/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.88/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Sanford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.91/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.67/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.93/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.88/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.87/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 Sanford grew 25.2% from $19.91/hr (2019) to $24.93/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.87/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 Sanford 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 Sanford
Part-time workers in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field in Sanford may find that their total annual earnings from a 24-hour work week yield a comfortable income, but it is essential to weigh this against full-time potential. For those considering per-diem opportunities, such as travel HVAC technicians for out-of-town projects, compensation can be quite lucrative, with per-diem payments ranging from $80 to $150 per day in addition to base pay of $30 to $55 per hour. Such arrangements can significantly increase overall earnings, especially during peak seasons. Each employer type also influences pay rates, with residential service companies offering distinct compensation structures that might include commission on sales, affecting total income during high-demand periods. Moreover, the choice between higher hourly pay with limited benefits or lower pay coupled with health insurance can significantly impact one's financial well-being. Negotiating effectively, especially in a vibrant market like Sanford, requires understanding industry standards and adjusting expectations based on the specific employer type and the compensation packages they offer.
More salary data for Sanford, NC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Sanford in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Sanford?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Sanford paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Sanford?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Sanford?
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 Sanford. 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 Sanford 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