Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Lancaster, OH: $29.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Lancaster, OH runs $29.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,497 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Lancaster's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.06 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,292 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Lancaster, Ohio, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected at $29.08 for 2026, slightly above the national hourly median of $28.93. This competitive rate can significantly impact part-time workers, especially those operating on a 24-hour workweek—typically three days. Such an arrangement can allow these professionals to balance their personal commitments while still securing a respectable income by servicing residential truck routes, managing rooftop units in commercial buildings, or working with refrigeration cases in supermarkets. For those just entering the workforce, the hourly range starts around $19.75, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $44.34, reflecting the diverse work settings available in Lancaster, OH.
About the Lancaster 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) | $19.75 | $157.97 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.23 | $185.88 |
| Median (P50) | $29.08 | $232.64 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.50 | $292.02 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.34 | $354.73 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lancaster
Based on $29.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.08/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lancaster, OH can expect to earn approximately $60,486 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,896. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lancaster.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lancaster
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,163.20 | $5,041 | $60,486 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $697.92 | $3,024 | $36,292 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $465.28 | $2,016 | $24,195 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Lancaster) | $29.08 |
| 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 Lancaster, OH earn a median of $60,497 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.54% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.70% below the Ohio state average of $60,923.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.08/hr = $36,292/year (purchasing power: $40,013).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,486/year (purchasing power: $66,688).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.37/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.01/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Lancaster (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.23/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.31/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.12/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.19/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 Lancaster grew 25.2% from $22.37/hr (2019) to $28.01/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.19/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 Lancaster 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 Lancaster
Part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lancaster can expect to bring home approximately $36,070 annually when working three days a week. In contrast, full-time employees typically enjoy additional benefits, which might not always be available to part-timers. The per diem pay structure for employees traveling to out-of-town commercial projects can considerably enhance earnings, with rates ranging from $80 to $150 daily, combined with hourly wages between $30 and $55. Self-employed contractors additionally benefit from higher rates, often charging $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. However, hourly rates vary greatly based on employer type, from residential service companies to commercial contractors and technical support roles. Many workers accept lower wages for guaranteed health benefits, while others may opt for higher pay without benefits, revealing a crucial trade-off in the profession. In negotiations, HVAC technicians should emphasize their certifications, such as EPA Section 608 and NATE, to command better rates within Lancaster’s competitive market.
More salary data for Lancaster, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lancaster in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Lancaster?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lancaster paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Lancaster?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Lancaster?
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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 Lancaster. 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 Lancaster 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