Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Blacksburg, VA: $23.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Blacksburg, VA runs $23.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $49,345 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Blacksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.7, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.59 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,606 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Blacksburg, Virginia, can expect a median hourly rate of $23.72. This figure is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $28.93. For those working part-time, say three days a week, this translates to a more flexible schedule with potential earnings of about $1,139.46 over a four-week period. The hourly range for this profession in Blacksburg spans from $18.64 at the 10th percentile to $32.58 for top earners, showcasing opportunities for both entry-level workers and highly experienced technicians. This data, derived from the 2025 BLS OEWS data and projected to 2026, highlights various work environments such as residential service routes and commercial refrigeration settings, where installers might find themselves engaged in diverse tasks from handling rooftop units to servicing supermarket coolers.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.64 | $149.09 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.46 | $179.65 |
| Median (P50) | $23.72 | $189.78 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.36 | $234.88 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $32.58 | $260.63 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Blacksburg
Based on $23.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.72/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Blacksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $49,344 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,467. With a cost-of-living index of 92.71 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Blacksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Blacksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $948.91 | $4,112 | $49,344 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $569.35 | $2,467 | $29,606 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $379.57 | $1,645 | $19,737 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Blacksburg) | $23.72 |
| 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 Blacksburg, VA earn a median of $49,345 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.00% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 15.40% below the Virginia state average of $58,327.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.72/hr = $29,606/year (purchasing power: $31,934).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $49,344/year (purchasing power: $53,224).
CoL index: 92.71 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$22.10/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+11.4%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Blacksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.10/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.34/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.15/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.86/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $25.47/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.63/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 Blacksburg grew 3.4% from $22.10/hr (2019) to $22.85/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.63/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 Blacksburg 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 Blacksburg
Opportunities for part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can vary significantly from full-time positions. For those working only 24 hours a week, their annual take-home can differ drastically compared to full-time colleagues. Per diem roles provide another layer of earning potential; technicians on out-of-town commercial projects often enjoy per diem pay ranging from $80 to $150 daily, alongside hourly wages of $30 to $55. Moreover, residential service call minimums can reach $90 to $180 per job, appealing to those who opt for flexibility over a steady wage. Employers across Blacksburg, including well-known franchises or independent contractors, may offer different hourly rates, with benefits playing a significant role in compensation. Mechanics often face the choice between higher hourly rates without insurance or lower ones with benefits, making negotiation skills valuable. As the industry evolves, particularly with the rise of heat pump demands and recent federal incentives, understanding the nuances of pay structures and work conditions remains crucial for HVAC professionals in VA.
More salary data for Blacksburg, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Blacksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Blacksburg?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Blacksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Blacksburg?
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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 Blacksburg. 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