Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Westerville, OH: $28.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Westerville, OH runs $28.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,095 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Westerville's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.7, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $31.86 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,059 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Westerville, Ohio, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a median rate of $28.89, which is slightly below the national median of $28.93. This rate reflects the financial landscape for those working part-time, such as those on residential service truck routes or commercial installations, where techs may typically work three days a week. For workers engaged in per-diem roles or self-employed setups, the variability in pay can be significant. With entry-level positions starting at around $19.29 per hour and experienced mechanics potentially earning up to $42.65 per hour, the profession’s diverse working environments—ranging from mechanical rooms of data centers to supermarket refrigeration cases—contribute to this wide salary range. These hourly rates are projected based on annual salary data and underscore the potential for technicians to find opportunities across varying sectors in Westerville.
About the Westerville 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) | $19.29 | $154.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.84 | $182.72 |
| Median (P50) | $28.89 | $231.14 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.40 | $283.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.65 | $341.19 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Westerville
Based on $28.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.89/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Westerville, OH can expect to earn approximately $60,098 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,672. With a cost-of-living index of 90.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Westerville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Westerville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,155.72 | $5,008 | $60,098 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $693.43 | $3,005 | $36,059 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $462.29 | $2,003 | $24,039 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Westerville) | $28.89 |
| 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 Westerville, OH earn a median of $60,095 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.13% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.30% below the Ohio state average of $60,887.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.89/hr = $36,059/year (purchasing power: $39,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,098/year (purchasing power: $66,260).
CoL index: 90.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.23/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Westerville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.08/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.44/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $26.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.96/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.00/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 Westerville grew 25.2% from $22.23/hr (2019) to $27.83/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.00/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 Westerville 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 Westerville
Looking at the earning potential for part-time mechanics, those working three days a week for a total of 24 hours could expect to take home approximately $35,216 annually, a stark contrast to the earnings of full-time employees. Per diem roles can offer heightened pay opportunities, with travel techs making between $80 and $150 per day, adding to a base rate of $30 to $55 per hour. Many residential service providers offer minimum call fees that can range from $90 to $180, which also affects overall pay. In Westerville, differences in hourly wages can be attributed to the type of employer—residential companies, commercial contractors, or manufacturers all operate within their own pay structures. While self-employed contractors might earn higher rates, they often forego benefits typically offered by larger employers. Technicians should negotiate hourly pay considering both base rates and the value of health benefits offered, as it can influence their overall compensation in this evolving industry landscape shaped by regulations, such as EPA Section 608 compliance and the transition to new refrigerants.
More salary data for Westerville, OH:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Westerville in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Westerville?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Westerville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Westerville?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Westerville?
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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 Westerville. 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 Westerville 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