Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Cumberland, RI: $26.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Cumberland, RI runs $26.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,678 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Cumberland's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.16 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,806 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cumberland, Rhode Island, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $26.29 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $28.93, reflecting regional economic factors. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, potential weekly earnings would amount to approximately $316, allowing for a flexible work-life balance, which is appealing to many in the trade. The hourly rates in Cumberland can vary widely based on experience, with entry-level positions starting around $18.16, while top earners can command up to $39.45 per hour. This salary structure accommodates various roles, including residential service truck routes, commercial installations, and freelance contractor work, hinting at the dynamic nature of this field.
About the Cumberland Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island average ($62,000) 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) | $18.16 | $145.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.23 | $169.85 |
| Median (P50) | $26.29 | $210.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.25 | $266.03 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $39.45 | $315.61 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Cumberland
Based on $26.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.29/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Cumberland, RI can expect to earn approximately $54,677 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,545. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Cumberland.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Cumberland
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,051.49 | $4,556 | $54,677 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $630.89 | $2,734 | $32,806 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $420.60 | $1,823 | $21,871 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Cumberland) | $26.29 |
| 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 Cumberland, RI earn a median of $54,678 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.13% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.80% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,435.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.29/hr = $32,806/year (purchasing power: $32,643).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,677/year (purchasing power: $54,405).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.22/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.32/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Cumberland (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.22/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.33/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.78/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.51/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.32/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.29/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 Cumberland grew 25.2% from $20.22/hr (2019) to $25.32/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.29/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 Cumberland 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 Cumberland
For part-time professionals in this sector, earning potential reveals a stark difference between full-time and per diem scenarios. A technician working just 24 hours a week might take home around $16,431 annually, which is significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can see compensation rates that include daily per-diem allowances ranging from $80 to $150, coupled with hourly wages of $30 to $55. Self-employed contractors operating within Cumberland can establish rates that range from $90 to $160 during peak seasons, reflecting the high demand for HVAC services. Moreover, compensation can vary depending on the type of employer, with residential service companies often offering health benefits, albeit at the cost of slightly lower hourly rates compared to commercial or industrial settings. Understanding these dynamics is critical for effective negotiation in this competitive market, particularly for those who may prioritize benefits over base pay or vice versa.
More salary data for Cumberland, RI:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cumberland in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Cumberland?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Cumberland paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Cumberland?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Cumberland?
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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 Cumberland. 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 Cumberland 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