Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Fargo, ND: $35.99 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Fargo, ND runs $35.99 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,879 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Fargo's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.9, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $39.61 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,921 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fargo, North Dakota, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a median of $35.99, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This competitive hourly rate allows those working part-time, such as on a three-day workweek, to earn a monthly income that can support a comfortable lifestyle, especially in a market with a cost of living index below the national average. For per-diem workers called to serve residential areas or commercial projects, the rate reflects a robust range from $22.02 at the entry level up to $45.49 for top earners. This official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data highlights the diverse environments where these technicians operate, including residential service settings and large industrial cooling systems.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.02 | $176.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.92 | $215.36 |
| Median (P50) | $35.99 | $287.96 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.00 | $296.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.49 | $363.95 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fargo
Based on $35.99/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.99/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fargo, ND can expect to earn approximately $74,868 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,193. With a cost-of-living index of 90.87 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fargo.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fargo
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,439.78 | $6,239 | $74,868 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $863.87 | $3,743 | $44,921 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $575.91 | $2,496 | $29,947 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Fargo) | $35.99 |
| 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 Fargo, ND earn a median of $74,879 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.44% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 42.40% above the North Dakota state average of $52,584.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.99/hr = $44,921/year (purchasing power: $49,434).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,868/year (purchasing power: $82,390).
CoL index: 90.871 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.57/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.99/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+58.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fargo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.57/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.28/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.54/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.99/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37.37/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 Fargo grew 47.1% from $23.57/hr (2019) to $34.67/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $37.37/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 Fargo 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 Fargo
When considering part-time opportunities, a mechanic working 24 hours weekly could earn substantial annual income, although it would fall short compared to full-time counterparts who benefit from overtime possibilities in commercial settings. For those in travel roles, per diem pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers often ranges from $80 to $150 daily, on top of an hourly base of $30 to $55, representing a lucrative option for skilled technicians. However, the earning potential fluctuates across various employers in Fargo. Residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and those specializing in supermarket refrigeration each offer distinct compensation packages, often trading off hourly pay for health benefits or steady hours. Given the shifting landscape in HVAC—driven by the rise of heat pump installations due to IRA tax credits—contractors and technicians should prepare to negotiate effectively, considering both monetary compensation and benefits to find the best fit for their career goals in Fargo's evolving market.
More salary data for Fargo, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fargo in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Fargo?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fargo paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Fargo?
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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 Fargo. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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