Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in West Warwick, RI: $27.30 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in West Warwick, RI runs $27.30 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,795 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against West Warwick's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.17 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,076 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay in West Warwick, Rhode Island is projected to be $27.30. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $28.93, indicating a competitive yet challenging local job market. For part-time workers, those committing to three days a week can expect to earn about $1,310.40 monthly while navigating typical work settings such as residential service routes and commercial building systems. Entry-level technicians can anticipate starting in the $18.29 range, while the highest-earning individuals in specialized niches may pull in as much as $40.32 an hour. It's essential to recognize that these hourly estimates stem from annual salary data and reflect the diverse demands placed on HVAC professionals across different settings, from supermarkets to data centers.
About the West Warwick 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) | $18.29 | $146.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.65 | $173.17 |
| Median (P50) | $27.30 | $218.44 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.53 | $268.27 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.32 | $322.59 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in West Warwick
Based on $27.30/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.30/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in West Warwick, RI can expect to earn approximately $56,794 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,766. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in West Warwick.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in West Warwick
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,092.19 | $4,733 | $56,794 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.31 | $2,840 | $34,076 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.87 | $1,893 | $22,717 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (West Warwick) | $27.30 |
| 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 West Warwick, RI earn a median of $56,795 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.62% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.10% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,426.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.30/hr = $34,076/year (purchasing power: $33,907).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,794/year (purchasing power: $56,511).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.01/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.30/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.30/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in West Warwick (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.01/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.61/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.30/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.30/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.35/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 West Warwick grew 25.2% from $21.01/hr (2019) to $26.30/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.35/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 West Warwick 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 West Warwick
Analyzing the earning potential for a part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer reveals a distinct contrast to full-time incomes. For individuals choosing a part-time schedule, working 24 hours a week may yield approximately $31,000 annually, a figure that could provide a decent living but often lacks the benefits associated with full-time roles. Per diem opportunities in the HVAC sector present another avenue, with travel techs on commercial or industrial projects earning between $80-$150 a day, plus an hourly rate of $30-$55. Residential service calls also offer significant returns, with minimum charges ranging from $90 to $180. When comparing employer types, hourly rates can vary widely, with self-employed contractors in high-cost areas potentially earning $90-$160 per hour during peak months. While some may opt for lower hourly rates with employer-provided health insurance, others prioritize higher wages, leading to different trade-offs in job satisfaction and security. Local HVAC professionals should engage in clear negotiations, emphasizing their skills and certifications to command higher wages without sacrificing essential benefits.
More salary data for West Warwick, RI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Warwick, RI
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Warwick, RI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in West Warwick, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in West Warwick in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in West Warwick?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in West Warwick paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in West Warwick?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in West Warwick?
Related Pages
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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 West Warwick. 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 West Warwick 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