Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Hillsboro, OR: $31.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Hillsboro, OR runs $31.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,830 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Hillsboro's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $30.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,492 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hillsboro, Oregon, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a median of $31.64, significantly higher than the national median of $28.93. This impressive hourly rate allows for flexible employment opportunities, particularly for those working part-time or per diem. Typical settings include residential service truck routes and commercial mechanical rooms, where part-time technicians can expect to earn a substantial income while balancing their schedules. With an hourly range from $20.34 at entry-level positions to $49.05 for the top 10% of earners, there's potential for varied earnings depending on skill level and experience, making this profession attractive to both new entrants and seasoned technicians in the local workforce.
About the Hillsboro Market
Salary estimated from Oregon average ($68,000) 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) | $20.34 | $162.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $24.61 | $196.84 |
| Median (P50) | $31.64 | $253.15 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $40.00 | $320.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.05 | $392.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hillsboro
Based on $31.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.64/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hillsboro, OR can expect to earn approximately $65,820 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,973. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hillsboro.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hillsboro
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,265.77 | $5,485 | $65,820 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $759.46 | $3,291 | $39,492 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $506.31 | $2,194 | $26,328 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Hillsboro) | $31.64 |
| 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 Hillsboro, OR earn a median of $65,830 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.40% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 10.10% above the Oregon state average of $59,791.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.64/hr = $39,492/year (purchasing power: $38,491).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,820/year (purchasing power: $64,152).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$24.35/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hillsboro (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $24.35/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $24.30/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.63/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $34.65/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.85/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 Hillsboro grew 25.2% from $24.35/hr (2019) to $30.48/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.85/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 Hillsboro 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 Hillsboro
For professionals operating on a part-time basis, a schedule of three days a week yields around 24 hours, translating to approximately $39,050 annually, compared to full-time workers who could expect more substantial yearly earnings from consistent hours. Per diem roles in Hillsboro further diversify income, with travel technicians earning $80-$150 daily in addition to a base rate that can range from $30 to $55 per hour. Self-employed contractors often achieve rates exceeding $90 per effective hour during peak seasons. In Hillsboro, hourly rates differ based on employer type, whether it's residential service companies or commercial HVAC operations. While some workers may accept lower hourly wages for benefits like health insurance, others prioritize higher rates with fewer perks. Local negotiations can benefit from emphasizing skills and market demand, particularly amid the growing emphasis on heat pump installations and emerging refrigerants, positioning seasoned applicants advantageously in the competitive job market.
More salary data for Hillsboro, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hillsboro in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Hillsboro?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hillsboro paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Hillsboro?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Hillsboro?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Oregon
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 Hillsboro. 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 Hillsboro 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