Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Bluffton, SC: $27.11 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Bluffton, SC runs $27.11 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,389 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Bluffton's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $29.63 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,830 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Bluffton, South Carolina, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a median rate of $27.11. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting the local economic conditions. For those working part-time, typically three days a week, this rate allows for a reasonable income, especially when considering the various settings they may operate in—residential service routes, commercial mechanical rooms, and supermarket refrigeration units. For entry-level positions in Bluffton, hourly pay can start around $18.72, while seasoned technicians may reach up to $41.63, showcasing a significant range that highlights the potential for growth within the profession. These hourly rates are estimated using projected annual salary data, providing a comprehensive view of the earning potential in the local market.
About the Bluffton Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina average ($50,000) 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) | $18.72 | $149.75 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.89 | $175.08 |
| Median (P50) | $27.11 | $216.86 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.29 | $274.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.63 | $333.05 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Bluffton
Based on $27.11/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.11/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Bluffton, SC can expect to earn approximately $56,383 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,529. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Bluffton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Bluffton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,084.30 | $4,699 | $56,383 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $650.58 | $2,819 | $33,830 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $433.72 | $1,879 | $22,553 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Bluffton) | $27.11 |
| 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 Bluffton, SC earn a median of $56,389 per year (2026 est.), which is 6.29% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.50% below the South Carolina state average of $57,248.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.11/hr = $33,830/year (purchasing power: $36,973).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,383/year (purchasing power: $61,621).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.85/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.11/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Bluffton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.85/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.65/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.81/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.93/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.11/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.14/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 Bluffton grew 25.2% from $20.85/hr (2019) to $26.11/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.14/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 Bluffton 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 Bluffton
Part-time workers in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field can see variable annual earnings, particularly when they only work 24 hours a week. In some cases, they might take home around $42,155 annually if they consistently earn the standard rate. For those considering per-diem opportunities, travel HVAC technicians working on out-of-town commercial projects might earn a base rate of $30-$55 per hour, paired with an additional per diem ranging from $80 to $150 daily, significantly boosting their take-home pay. Different employer types impact hourly rates; residential service companies may offer lower rates compared to specialized commercial contractors or self-employed professionals who can clear $90-$160 per hour during peak seasons. While many choose the stability of employment with benefits, others pursue higher hourly rates without health insurance, weighing the risks and rewards. Negotiation strategies specific to Bluffton might involve leveraging your unique skills or certifications, such as your EPA Section 608 or NATE accreditations, to secure more favorable terms relating to pay and benefits.
More salary data for Bluffton, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bluffton in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Bluffton?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Bluffton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Bluffton?
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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 Bluffton. 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 Bluffton 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