Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Lexington, SC: $26.00 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Lexington, SC runs $26.00 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $54,066 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Lexington's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.41 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,444 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
As heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lexington, South Carolina, prepare for 2026, the median hourly rate is projected at $26.00. This figure shows a 10.15% decrease when compared to the national median of $28.93, indicating that local professionals might expect slightly lower immediate financial compensation than their counterparts nationwide. For those working part-time—approximately three days a week—there is an opportunity to earn $624 weekly, which totals over $32,000 annually. Furthermore, per-diem opportunities can enhance earnings for those engaging in residential services, data center operations, or commercial projects, with entry-level positions starting at around $17.24 per hour and top-tier talents potentially reaching $37.47 per hour as they gain experience and specialization in the field.
About the Lexington 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) | $17.24 | $137.96 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.47 | $163.79 |
| Median (P50) | $26.00 | $207.97 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.53 | $252.24 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.47 | $299.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Lexington
Based on $26.00/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.00/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Lexington, SC can expect to earn approximately $54,073 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,196. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Lexington.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Lexington
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,039.86 | $4,506 | $54,073 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $623.92 | $2,704 | $32,444 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $415.94 | $1,802 | $21,629 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Lexington) | $26.00 |
| 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 Lexington, SC earn a median of $54,066 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.15% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.50% below the South Carolina state average of $57,213.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.00/hr = $32,444/year (purchasing power: $35,458).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $54,073/year (purchasing power: $59,096).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.04/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.00/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Lexington (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.76/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.09/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.52/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.04/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.00/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.99/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 Lexington grew 25.2% from $20.00/hr (2019) to $25.04/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.99/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 Lexington 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 Lexington
Examining the financial dynamics further reveals intriguing insights into the hourly earning potential of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lexington. A professional working a typical 24-hour weekly schedule would take home around $32,448 annually, a stark contrast to full-time mechanics who usually see greater annual figures through overtime and consistent demand, especially as the push for heat pump installations continues to rise due to growing tax incentives. Per diem rates truly accentuate earning potential, often delivering between $80-$150 daily for travel HVAC techs, in addition to hourly wages of $30-$55. The type of employer significantly impacts hourly compensation; residential service companies can offer competitive rates but may also attach commission structures that heighten earnings through performance. On the flip side, some technicians might accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits such as health insurance. Understanding this balance can be crucial for negotiating pay effectively in Lexington’s diverse HVAC economy, where practical experience and continuous education in emerging technologies like R-454B refrigerants can yield better positions and pay rates.
More salary data for Lexington, SC:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lexington in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Lexington?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Lexington paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Lexington?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Lexington?
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 Lexington. 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 Lexington 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