Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Minot, ND: $30.32 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Minot, ND runs $30.32 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $63,074 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Minot's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.0, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $37,834 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

In Minot, North Dakota, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers see an hourly median pay of $30.32, which is notably higher than the national hourly median of $28.93. This wage structure supports both full-time and part-time workers in a range of settings, from residential service routes to extensive commercial applications such as data centers and industrial rooftops. For those working part-time, the flexibility of three-day weeks can lead to earnings averaging around $23,000-$26,000 annually, depending on hours worked and placement in the hourly range, which spans from $21.29 for entry-level technicians to as much as $43.97 for the top earners. These calculations reflect data projected for 2026 and highlight the local market's attractiveness for various employment scenarios, including self-employed contractors and agency workers.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $21.29 | $170.35 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $25.48 | $203.82 |
| Median (P50) | $30.32 | $242.52 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.48 | $299.83 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.97 | $351.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Minot
Based on $30.32/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $30.32/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Minot, ND can expect to earn approximately $63,056 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $36,379. With a cost-of-living index of 87.03 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Minot.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Minot
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,212.62 | $5,255 | $63,056 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $727.57 | $3,153 | $37,834 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $485.05 | $2,102 | $25,222 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Minot) | $30.32 |
| 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 Minot, ND earn a median of $63,074 per year (2026 est.), which is 4.82% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 19.90% above the North Dakota state average of $52,605.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $30.32/hr = $37,834/year (purchasing power: $43,473).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $63,056/year (purchasing power: $72,455).
CoL index: 87.028 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$29.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$30.32/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Minot (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.21/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.27/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.60/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.42/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $35.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $29.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $30.32/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $31.47/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 Minot grew 25.2% from $23.32/hr (2019) to $29.20/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $31.47/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 Minot 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 Minot
Income variations are particularly evident when considering the part-time and per diem opportunities available to heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics in Minot. With part-time mechanics working just 24 hours a week, annual earnings differ significantly compared to their full-time counterparts, who generally benefit from consistent work hours. For travel-based roles, per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics may obtain $80-$150 per day in addition to a base rate of $30-$55 per hour, enhancing financial prospects significantly on out-of-town jobs. Self-employed professionals can focus on niche markets, potentially doubling their hourly earnings during peak seasons. Hourly rates within Minot fluctuate based on the type of employer, with specialized residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and refrigeration firms often providing different benefits trade-offs, influencing hourly rates and overall job satisfaction. Negotiating strategies specific to Minot's local market—such as understanding demand for skills like heat pump installation—can empower workers to secure better pay while considering health insurance options along the way.
More salary data for Minot, ND:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minot in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Minot?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Minot paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Minot?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Minot?
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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 Minot. 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, 2-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