Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in El Paso, TX: $22.41 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in El Paso, TX runs $22.41 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,622 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against El Paso's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.9, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,974 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In El Paso, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $22.41 in 2026, significantly lower than the national median of $28.93. This hourly rate can offer different opportunities depending on employment patterns; for part-time workers putting in three days a week, this translates to a potential earning of around $1,070 monthly before taxes, making it an attractive option for those seeking flexibility. With a pay range from $13.33 at the entry level to approximately $34.43 for top earners, mechanics and installers in El Paso can find a variety of job settings, from residential service routes to commercial refrigeration units. These insights derive from 2026 estimates based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, highlighting the local pay landscape for professionals in this essential field.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $13.33 | $106.64 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.50 | $140.03 |
| Median (P50) | $22.41 | $179.32 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.30 | $218.44 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.43 | $275.41 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in El Paso
Based on $22.41/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.41/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in El Paso, TX can expect to earn approximately $46,623 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,898. With a cost-of-living index of 89.91 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in El Paso.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in El Paso
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $896.59 | $3,885 | $46,623 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $537.95 | $2,331 | $27,974 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $358.64 | $1,554 | $18,649 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (El Paso) | $22.41 |
| 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 El Paso, TX earn a median of $46,622 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.52% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.20% below the Texas state average of $49,180.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.41/hr = $27,974/year (purchasing power: $31,112).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,623/year (purchasing power: $51,854).
CoL index: 89.912 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.61/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.59/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.41/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+25.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in El Paso (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.61/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $14.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.68/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.22/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.59/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.41/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.27/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 El Paso grew 16.0% from $18.61/hr (2019) to $21.59/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.27/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 El Paso 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 El Paso
For part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers working 24 hours a week, annual earnings can be substantially lower than their full-time counterparts, creating a unique financial dynamic. Per diem arrangements, particularly for those traveling to out-of-town commercial projects, can offer significantly higher earning potential, with rates from $80 to $150 per day in addition to hourly wages between $30 and $55. In the context of El Paso, self-employed contractors and high-demand residential service companies offer different hourly rates that can fluctuate based on demand and seasonality. Workers may negotiate between lower hourly pay with benefits in positions like hospitals or commercial settings against higher pay without benefits in the residential market. It's essential for HVAC professionals to understand the trade-offs and advocate for themselves effectively during job discussions, particularly given the ongoing demand for skilled trades amidst an evolving industry climate that includes new technologies and regulatory changes.
More salary data for El Paso, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in El Paso in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in El Paso?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in El Paso paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in El Paso?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in El Paso?
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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 El Paso. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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