Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Huntsville, TX: $23.09 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Huntsville, TX runs $23.09 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,018 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Huntsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.0, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.05 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,816 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Huntsville, Texas, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate averages $23.09, significantly lower than the national median of $28.93. This difference can impact part-time professionals working three days a week, potentially leading to annual earnings that are substantially lower than their full-time counterparts. Part-time workers in this field often manage tasks related to residential service routes, commercial systems like rooftop units, and cooling systems in data centers. Entry-level technicians may start at around $15.02 per hour, while experienced professionals can command rates as high as $35.79 per hour, which reflects the variability based on skill level, type of employment, and specific job responsibilities. These figures, derived from estimated annual salaries, highlight the spectrum of wage potential in an industry that is critical to comfort and efficiency in both residential and commercial settings.
About the Huntsville 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) | $15.02 | $120.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.96 | $143.69 |
| Median (P50) | $23.09 | $184.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.04 | $224.33 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.79 | $286.29 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Huntsville
Based on $23.09/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.09/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Huntsville, TX can expect to earn approximately $48,026 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,707. With a cost-of-living index of 96.00 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Huntsville.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Huntsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $923.58 | $4,002 | $48,026 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $554.15 | $2,401 | $28,816 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.43 | $1,601 | $19,211 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Huntsville) | $23.09 |
| 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 Huntsville, TX earn a median of $48,018 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.20% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.30% below the Texas state average of $49,148.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.09/hr = $28,816/year (purchasing power: $30,016).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,026/year (purchasing power: $50,027).
CoL index: 96 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.24/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.09/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Huntsville (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 | $18.44/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.73/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $18.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.24/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.24/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.09/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.97/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 Huntsville grew 25.2% from $17.76/hr (2019) to $22.24/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.97/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 Huntsville 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 Huntsville
Part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers draw distinct earnings compared to those in full-time positions. For a technician working 24 hours a week, annual take-home pay can be well below that of a full-time worker, especially when benefits are factored in. In contrast, per diem positions for HVAC techs can yield higher daily earnings, with rates ranging from $80 to $150, alongside a base hourly wage of $30 to $55. The market landscape in Huntsville also sees a variety of employer types influencing pay. Those working for residential service companies, commercial contractors, and self-employed contractors experience differing pay structures. For example, residential technicians may accept lower hourly rates for comprehensive benefits, while those willing to forgo health insurance might seek higher pay for their skill set. Good negotiation practice is essential in this competitive field; understanding local pay scales and being prepared to discuss both salary and benefits can make a significant impact on total compensation for HVAC professionals in Huntsville, TX.
More salary data for Huntsville, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Huntsville in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Huntsville?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Huntsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Huntsville?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Huntsville?
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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 Huntsville. 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 Huntsville 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