Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in McMinnville, OR: $28.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in McMinnville, OR runs $28.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,255 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against McMinnville's regional price level (BEA RPP 102.6, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.77 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,553 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In McMinnville, Oregon, the projected median hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $28.49, slightly lower than the national average of $28.93. This hourly rate offers valuable opportunities for both full-time and part-time workers, especially those engaged in residential service routes or working with commercial applications like rooftop units or supermarket refrigeration systems. For part-time workers clocking in around three days a week, this pay can significantly impact their financial stability, allowing them to maintain a decent quality of life within the local cost of living index, which is slightly above the national average at 102.6. Entry-level technicians typically start at around $19.25 per hour, while the most experienced professionals can earn up to $42.32 per hour, suggesting a landscape where experience and skills can lead to fruitful career advancement.
About the McMinnville 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) | $19.25 | $153.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.68 | $181.48 |
| Median (P50) | $28.49 | $227.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.07 | $280.56 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.32 | $338.54 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in McMinnville
Based on $28.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.49/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in McMinnville, OR can expect to earn approximately $59,255 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,186. With a cost-of-living index of 102.60 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in McMinnville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in McMinnville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,139.53 | $4,938 | $59,255 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $683.72 | $2,963 | $35,553 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $455.81 | $1,975 | $23,702 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (McMinnville) | $28.49 |
| 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 McMinnville, OR earn a median of $59,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.53% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.90% below the Oregon state average of $59,793.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.49/hr = $35,553/year (purchasing power: $34,652).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,255/year (purchasing power: $57,754).
CoL index: 102.6 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.92/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.44/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in McMinnville (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.75/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.11/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $33.25/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.44/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.58/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 McMinnville grew 25.2% from $21.92/hr (2019) to $27.44/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.58/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 McMinnville 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 McMinnville
For part-time employees working a typical 24-hour week, their annual earnings can total around $35,000 before taxes, a stark contrast to what full-time workers might take home. Per-diem roles in this field present an alternative earning potential, with travel HVAC technicians earning daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150 in addition to their hourly base, which may range from $30 to $55. Self-employed contractors, particularly in high-cost areas like McMinnville, can achieve effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, making this path attractive despite the variability in income. Hourly pay can vary considerably based on employer type, creating diverse financial situations based on whether one works for a large data center operation, a commercial HVAC firm, or as an independent contractor. While some workers may opt for lower hourly rates at established companies for benefits like health insurance, others might prioritize higher pay without extra perks. For those negotiating their compensation, understanding the local market and being aware of specific company offerings can provide leverage for better hourly rates.
More salary data for McMinnville, OR:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in McMinnville in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in McMinnville?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in McMinnville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in McMinnville?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in McMinnville?
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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 McMinnville. 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 McMinnville 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