Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Mentor, OH: $28.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Mentor, OH runs $28.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,432 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Mentor's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.97 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,061 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Mentor, Ohio, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $28.09 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $28.93. This rate offers opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers in various environments, including residential service calls, commercial rooftop units, and supermarket refrigeration. For those working three days a week, this translates to a decent wage, enabling manageable living conditions while allowing for flexible schedules. The pay scale ranges from around $19.74 for entry-level positions to approximately $43.54 for the most experienced, demonstrating the diverse earning potential in this field for mechanics based in Ohio.
About the Mentor 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) | $19.74 | $157.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.95 | $183.64 |
| Median (P50) | $28.09 | $224.75 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.12 | $272.92 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.54 | $348.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Mentor
Based on $28.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.09/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Mentor, OH can expect to earn approximately $58,435 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,712. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Mentor.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Mentor
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,123.75 | $4,870 | $58,435 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $674.25 | $2,922 | $35,061 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $449.50 | $1,948 | $23,374 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Mentor) | $28.09 |
| 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 Mentor, OH earn a median of $58,432 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.89% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.10% below the Ohio state average of $60,930.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.09/hr = $35,061/year (purchasing power: $38,656).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,435/year (purchasing power: $64,427).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.06/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mentor (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.57/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.41/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.26/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.06/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.17/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 Mentor grew 25.2% from $21.61/hr (2019) to $27.06/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.17/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 Mentor 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 Mentor
When considering part-time work, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer operating only 24 hours a week may earn significantly less than someone working full-time. Typically, the earnings could amount to around $38,369, which can range much higher based on job type and employer. Travel and per-diem positions tend to offer enhanced financial incentives, where technicians can earn between $80 and $150 per day for expenses in addition to a base rate that can fluctuate from $30 to $55 an hour. The differences in hourly rates often depend on the employer: residential service companies might pay differently than larger commercial contractors or specialty refrigeration firms. Many technicians may find themselves weighing the benefits of stable, lower wages with health insurance against higher hourly compensation without benefits. For those negotiating their pay in Mentor's competitive market, being knowledgeable about industry standards, the value of trainings like EPA Section 608, and the increasing demand for heat pump installations can be advantageous.
More salary data for Mentor, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mentor in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mentor?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Mentor paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Mentor?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Mentor?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Ohio
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 Mentor. 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 Mentor 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