Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Dayton, OH: $29.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Dayton, OH runs $29.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,643 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Dayton's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,991 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Dayton, Ohio, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly rate of $29.64, which outpaces the national median of $28.93. This competitive rate can significantly benefit both part-time workers and those engaged in per-diem roles. For mechanics working three days a week, this translates to an annual income of roughly $46,184 if they maintain a consistent schedule. Entry-level positions may start at approximately $18.31 per hour, while seasoned professionals with specialized skills and experience may earn anywhere up to $45.82 per hour. Mechanics and installers generally work in diverse settings, from residential service routes to intricate commercial operations, each affecting potential earnings based on client demand and service complexity. These figures are drawn from official BLS data, highlighting the stable job market for HVAC professionals in the region.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.31 | $146.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.96 | $183.72 |
| Median (P50) | $29.64 | $237.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $37.07 | $296.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.82 | $366.53 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Dayton
Based on $29.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.64/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Dayton, OH can expect to earn approximately $61,652 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,569. With a cost-of-living index of 92.69 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Dayton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Dayton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,185.62 | $5,138 | $61,652 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $711.37 | $3,083 | $36,991 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $474.25 | $2,055 | $24,661 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Dayton) | $29.64 |
| 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 Dayton, OH earn a median of $61,643 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.44% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.20% above the Ohio state average of $60,912.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.64/hr = $36,991/year (purchasing power: $39,907).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,652/year (purchasing power: $66,512).
CoL index: 92.694 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.55/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Dayton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $24.88/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.37/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.43/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.55/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.77/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 Dayton grew 24.5% from $22.94/hr (2019) to $28.55/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.77/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 Dayton 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 Dayton
Looking at the broader earning potential in Dayton, part-time workers opting for a three-day workweek can see a substantial income, although still lower than full-time counterparts. Many per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers benefit from opportunities on commercial and industrial projects, where pay can range from $30 to $55 per hour, augmented by daily per-diem allowances between $80 and $150. Residential service companies often emphasize efficiency and volume, leading to strong commission opportunities for technicians. For instance, top performers in high-traffic markets can exceed $80,000 annually with added commissions, while commercial HVAC typically offers consistent, if salaried, pay. Self-employed contractors in these sectors might achieve rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. Mechanics weighing lower hourly rates for greater benefits like health insurance will often find an appealing trade-off, making it vital to evaluate offers carefully. Negotiating pay effectively includes understanding the local market dynamics and having a firm grasp of industry standards.
More salary data for Dayton, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Dayton in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Dayton?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Dayton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Dayton?
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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 Dayton. 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