Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Lorain, OH: $29.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Lorain, OH runs $29.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $61,561 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Lorain's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,940 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lorain, OH, earn a median hourly rate of $29.60. This is slightly above the national average of $28.93, which reflects a growing demand for skilled technicians in this sector. For those who prefer part-time work, such as a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly wage translates to approximately $44,880 annually, presenting a viable income during peak seasons. The hourly pay range for this occupation in Lorain typically runs from $18.45 for entry-level positions to around $45.18 for the highest earners. These estimates derive from annual salary data, applicable across diverse employment settings from residential service routes to commercial installations, including supermarkets and data centers.
About the Lorain 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) | $18.45 | $147.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.30 | $194.43 |
| Median (P50) | $29.60 | $236.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.98 | $295.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $45.18 | $361.46 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lorain
Based on $29.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.60/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lorain, OH can expect to earn approximately $61,566 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,519. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lorain.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lorain
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,183.96 | $5,131 | $61,566 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $710.38 | $3,078 | $36,940 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $473.59 | $2,052 | $24,626 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Lorain) | $29.60 |
| 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 Lorain, OH earn a median of $61,561 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.30% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.10% above the Ohio state average of $60,891.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.60/hr = $36,940/year (purchasing power: $40,727).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $61,566/year (purchasing power: $67,879).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.51/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Lorain (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.64/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $24.01/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.56/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.73/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 Lorain grew 25.2% from $22.77/hr (2019) to $28.51/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.73/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 Lorain 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 Lorain
In examining the potential for part-time earnings, a mechanic working 24 hours a week is set to take home a competitive income, though it may be lower than that of their full-time counterparts. Per diem opportunities exist, particularly for those willing to travel for work; heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can earn between $80 and $150 daily in addition to base rates ranging from $30 to $55 per hour for out-of-town projects. Companies in Lorain, encompassing both residential service firms and commercial HVAC contractors, offer varied compensation structures, with some self-employed contractors commanding rates as high as $90 to $160 per hour during busy seasons. It's essential for workers to weigh the benefits when considering hourly pay options; lower rates offered by employers often come with health benefits, while contractors might pursue higher hourly rates without such coverage. Negotiating in a market like Lorain, where compensation may vary significantly, requires understanding employer types, local demand, and the potential for commission structures that boost earnings substantially in high-volume residential service scenarios.
More salary data for Lorain, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lorain in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Lorain?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lorain paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Lorain?
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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 Lorain. 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 Lorain 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