Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in La Vergne, TN: $23.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in La Vergne, TN runs $23.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $47,994 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against La Vergne's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.8, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,803 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In La Vergne, Tennessee, the projected hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $23.08, which is notably below the national median of $28.93. This disparity represents a challenging environment for both full-time and part-time workers. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a weekly earnings potential of approximately $276 for 24 hours of work, making it viable for individuals balancing multiple jobs or family commitments. The hourly compensation can vary greatly within La Vergne, with entry-level positions starting around $16.07 while more experienced technicians, particularly those in specialized roles or self-employed contractors, can earn as much as $34.83. These earnings are derived from estimates projected based on annual salaries, reflective of the diverse working environments in residential service, commercial settings, and industrial operations.
About the La Vergne Market
Salary estimated from Tennessee average ($52,000) 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) | $16.07 | $128.57 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.73 | $149.83 |
| Median (P50) | $23.08 | $184.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.75 | $229.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.83 | $278.65 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in La Vergne
Based on $23.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.08/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in La Vergne, TN can expect to earn approximately $48,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,695. With a cost-of-living index of 91.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in La Vergne.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in La Vergne
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $923.17 | $4,000 | $48,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $553.90 | $2,400 | $28,803 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.27 | $1,600 | $19,202 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (La Vergne) | $23.08 |
| 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 La Vergne, TN earn a median of $47,994 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.24% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 4.50% below the Tennessee state average of $50,255.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.08/hr = $28,803/year (purchasing power: $31,376).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,005/year (purchasing power: $52,293).
CoL index: 91.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in La Vergne (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $18.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.72/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.92/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.96/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 La Vergne grew 25.2% from $17.76/hr (2019) to $22.23/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.96/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 La Vergne 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 La Vergne
When considering part-time opportunities, a mechanic working three days a week might earn an annualized total, significantly less compared to a full-time worker's continuous income. Per-diem pay structures also exist for those in the field, particularly travel technicians who can earn between $80 and $150 per day on top of their hourly wage when working on commercial or industrial projects outside La Vergne. Residential service call rates often establish minimum fees ranging from $90 to $180, contributing to the income variability seen in this sector. Different employer types across La Vergne also affect hourly earnings. For instance, residential service companies might offer lower hourly wages compensated by commissions tied to performance, while commercial HVAC contractors might provide steadier pay with less variability. Mechanics may choose lower hourly salaries for benefits like health insurance, while others opt for higher rates with no benefits. Negotiating tips include emphasizing your experience with EPA Section 608 certifications and highlighting demand for skills related to the emerging refrigerant technologies and heat pump installations fueled by incentives from the IRA tax credits.
More salary data for La Vergne, TN:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in La Vergne in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in La Vergne?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in La Vergne paid hourly or salary?
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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 La Vergne. 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 La Vergne 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