Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Reading, PA: $29.28 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Reading, PA runs $29.28 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $60,894 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Reading's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $36,538 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Reading, Pennsylvania, those working as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect to earn a median hourly rate of $29.28. This figure stands slightly above the national hourly median of $28.93, suggesting a competitive pay landscape for technicians in the region. For part-time professionals working three days a week, this translates to a solid income, particularly for those engaged in residential service routes or commercial refrigeration in settings like supermarkets and data centers. Entry-level workers typically start at around $22.27 per hour, while experienced technicians can reach up to $38.64 per hour, highlighting the potential for growth and advancement within this field according to official BLS data projected to 2026.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.27 | $178.16 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.87 | $190.95 |
| Median (P50) | $29.28 | $234.22 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.73 | $285.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $38.64 | $309.13 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Reading
Based on $29.28/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $29.28/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Reading, PA can expect to earn approximately $60,897 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $35,133. With a cost-of-living index of 97.06 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Reading.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Reading
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,171.09 | $5,075 | $60,897 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $702.65 | $3,045 | $36,538 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $468.44 | $2,030 | $24,359 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Reading) | $29.28 |
| 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 Reading, PA earn a median of $60,894 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.20% higher than the national median of $60,174.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $29.28/hr = $36,538/year (purchasing power: $37,645).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $60,897/year (purchasing power: $62,741).
CoL index: 97.06 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.79/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$28.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$29.28/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+13.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Reading (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.79/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.05/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $27.71/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.41/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $29.28/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $30.40/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 Reading grew 5.3% from $26.79/hr (2019) to $28.20/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $30.40/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 Reading 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 Reading
For those considering part-time employment, a mechanic or installer putting in 24 hours weekly would see an annual take-home lower than their full-time counterparts, depending on overtime and on-call availability. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Reading can add an intriguing dynamic, especially for technicians taking on out-of-town commercial projects, with daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150, paired with base hourly rates of $30 to $55. Factors influencing earnings include the employer type—residential service companies tend to offer lower hourly rates with benefits, while self-employed contractors can command higher rates, especially during peak seasons. This balance between hourly rates and benefits becomes a trade-off; some might choose secure employment with health insurance, while others may prioritize higher pay even without traditional benefits. Understanding these nuances is essential for HVAC professionals navigating their careers in Reading, PA, particularly during a time of growing demand driven by heat pump installations and new refrigerant training needs.
More salary data for Reading, PA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Reading in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Reading?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Reading paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Reading?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Reading?
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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 Reading. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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