Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Edinburg, TX: $21.83 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Edinburg, TX runs $21.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,406 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Edinburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $22.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,248 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
The hourly compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Edinburg, Texas, is projected to be $21.83 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting regional economic factors. For workers in this profession, including those on part-time schedules of three days a week, the potential income translates to around $1,050 weekly for full shifts, which runs significantly lower compared to more lucrative markets. The wages in Edinburg range from $14.16 at the entry-level to $33.83 for top earners, which illustrates the growing opportunities within the field but also the challenges posed by cost of living and potential underemployment in a city that has a cost of living index of 96. Estimates of hourly rates stem from aggregated annual salary data, highlighting the competitive yet constrained market in Edinburg.
About the Edinburg Market
Salary estimated from Texas average ($56,000) 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) | $14.16 | $113.29 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.06 | $136.46 |
| Median (P50) | $21.83 | $174.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.94 | $223.50 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.83 | $270.68 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Edinburg
Based on $21.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.83/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Edinburg, TX can expect to earn approximately $45,413 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,200. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Edinburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Edinburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $873.33 | $3,784 | $45,413 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $524.00 | $2,271 | $27,248 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $349.33 | $1,514 | $18,165 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Edinburg) | $21.83 |
| 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 Edinburg, TX earn a median of $45,406 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.54% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.70% below the Texas state average of $49,194.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.83/hr = $27,248/year (purchasing power: $28,383).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,413/year (purchasing power: $47,306).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.80/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.03/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.83/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Edinburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.80/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.75/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.48/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.03/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.83/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.67/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 Edinburg grew 25.2% from $16.80/hr (2019) to $21.03/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.67/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 Edinburg 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 Edinburg
In considering part-time benefits, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week will take home considerably less than their full-time counterparts—about $27,000 annually compared to a full-time income. The per diem rates for travel techs on out-of-town projects yield varying income potentials, with per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Edinburg ranging from $80 to $150 daily on top of hourly wages that can hit $55. Agencies and self-employed contractors often reap higher hourly rates when conditions align, especially in high-cost markets where they can charge $90-$160 an hour during peak seasons. In Edinburg, hourly rates differ greatly depending on the employer type—residential service companies often offer base pay and performance incentives, while commercial HVAC contractors might provide more stable, salaried work. This variability in pay structures necessitates astute negotiation tactics. Technicians should articulate their value clearly and consider future growth opportunities versus immediate compensation, balancing the benefits of hourly pay against salary offerings and job security in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Edinburg, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Edinburg in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Edinburg?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Edinburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Edinburg?
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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 Edinburg. 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 Edinburg 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