Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Killeen, TX: $23.54 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Killeen, TX runs $23.54 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,950 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Killeen's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.1, 9% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.83 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,373 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Killeen, Texas, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is set at a median of $23.54, which falls below the national hourly median of $28.93. This discrepancy may reflect the local job market dynamics and cost of living, with Killeen's cost of living index at 91.132, indicating it is below the national average. For those working part-time or on a per-diem basis, expected earnings vary significantly; professionals working three days a week may generate an annual income commensurate with consistent weekday placements, while per-diem workers can earn upwards of $80-$150 daily plus hourly wages for out-of-town projects. Entry-level technicians can expect an hourly rate starting around $15.85, while experienced individuals can command rates up to $35.65, showcasing the potential for growth in this field as it moves toward the projected 2026 figures based on 2025 BLS data.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.85 | $126.83 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.73 | $157.81 |
| Median (P50) | $23.54 | $188.29 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.42 | $235.38 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.65 | $285.21 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Killeen
Based on $23.54/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.54/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Killeen, TX can expect to earn approximately $48,955 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,243. With a cost-of-living index of 91.13 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Killeen.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Killeen
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $941.44 | $4,080 | $48,955 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $564.86 | $2,448 | $29,373 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $376.58 | $1,632 | $19,582 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Killeen) | $23.54 |
| 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 Killeen, TX earn a median of $48,950 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.65% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.40% below the Texas state average of $49,147.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.54/hr = $29,373/year (purchasing power: $32,231).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,955/year (purchasing power: $53,719).
CoL index: 91.132 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.66/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.54/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+38.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Killeen (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.66/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.58/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.07/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.54/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.44/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 Killeen grew 28.4% from $17.66/hr (2019) to $22.67/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.44/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 Killeen 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 Killeen
Earnings potential for part-time workers in Killeen can be substantial, particularly for those engaged specifically in residential service calls or commercial contracts. A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours a week at the median hourly pay could take home roughly $29,000 annually, which is considerably less than a full-time worker. Per diem technicians who travel for commercial assignments can earn a combination of $30-$55 per hour along with travel stipends, equating to significant pay on extended jobs. The hourly rates vary widely depending on the employer type — with residential service companies often offering a base pay plus commission and larger commercial firms typically providing salaried positions with overtime opportunities. Some mechanics accept lower hourly rates in exchange for benefits like health insurance, while others prefer higher rates without benefits to maximize immediate income. Negotiating for the best possible rates can be beneficial, and knowing the market can empower technicians in Killeen to advocate effectively for fair compensation.
More salary data for Killeen, TX:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Killeen in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Killeen?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Killeen paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Killeen?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Killeen?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Texas
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 Killeen. 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