Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Cleveland Heights, OH: $27.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Cleveland Heights, OH runs $27.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $57,793 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Cleveland Heights's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,672 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The projected hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Cleveland Heights, OH, is $27.78, slightly below the national median of $28.93. This hourly rate signifies that part-time workers, who may operate just three days a week, can expect to earn around $1,074 on a weekly basis, translating to about $55,848 annually if maintaining consistent hours. The pay range for this profession in Cleveland Heights varies significantly; entry-level technicians can earn approximately $19.06 per hour, while experienced professionals, particularly those at the top 10% of earners, may see compensation rise to $41.61 per hour. Estimates indicate that these hourly figures are derived from annual salary data, making it essential for both established workers and newcomers to understand the market's dynamics across different roles in various settings, such as residential routes and commercial facilities.
About the Cleveland Heights Market
Salary estimated from Ohio average ($58,000) 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) | $19.06 | $152.49 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.34 | $178.74 |
| Median (P50) | $27.78 | $222.26 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.41 | $275.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.61 | $332.89 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cleveland Heights
Based on $27.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.78/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cleveland Heights, OH can expect to earn approximately $57,787 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,339. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Cleveland Heights.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cleveland Heights
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,111.29 | $4,816 | $57,787 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $666.77 | $2,889 | $34,672 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $444.52 | $1,926 | $23,115 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Cleveland Heights) | $27.78 |
| 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 Cleveland Heights, OH earn a median of $57,793 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.96% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.10% below the Ohio state average of $60,899.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.78/hr = $34,672/year (purchasing power: $38,227).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $57,787/year (purchasing power: $63,712).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.76/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Cleveland Heights (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.54/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.13/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.00/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.76/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.84/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 Cleveland Heights grew 25.2% from $21.37/hr (2019) to $26.76/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.84/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 Cleveland Heights 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 Cleveland Heights
For those considering part-time work, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Cleveland Heights will take home a significantly different income compared to their full-time counterparts. By working 24 hours weekly, a technician can earn around $27,974 annually—less than a full-time position would provide. On the other hand, per-diem rates for travel HVAC technicians can range from $80 to $150 daily, in addition to an hourly wage between $30 and $55. In residential service calls, businesses may establish minimum fees ranging from $90 to $180 to ensure adequate compensation for technicians. Self-employed contractors in high-cost areas can capitalize on effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour, particularly during peak seasons. It's crucial to recognize how working relationships vary between residential service companies, commercial contractors, and manufacturers, impacting hourly pay and benefits. Workers might choose positions with lower wages but solid health insurance if they prefer stability over higher rates in uncertain conditions. Negotiating terms that incorporate both hourly wages and benefits can be beneficial in Cleveland Heights' varied job market.
More salary data for Cleveland Heights, OH:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Cleveland Heights, OH
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cleveland Heights in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Cleveland Heights?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cleveland Heights paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Cleveland Heights?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Cleveland Heights?
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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 Cleveland Heights. 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 Cleveland Heights 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