Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Fredericksburg, VA: $27.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Fredericksburg, VA runs $27.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,776 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Fredericksburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $26.45 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,063 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fredericksburg, Virginia, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to reach $27.29 in 2026, slightly below the national median of $28.93. This pay indicates a steady income level for full-time technicians across various settings including residential services, commercial rooftop units, and data centers. For those working part-time—say three days a week—such a rate could yield around $24,000 annually, excluding potential overtime or additional jobs. Entry-level hourly rates start at approximately $17.62, while seasoned professionals can command wages as high as $42.22. With a growing demand fueled by energy efficiency initiatives like the heat pump installations driven by IRA tax credits, there remains ample opportunity for income growth in this field.
About the Fredericksburg Market
Salary estimated from Virginia 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) | $17.62 | $140.95 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.79 | $182.31 |
| Median (P50) | $27.29 | $218.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.62 | $276.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $42.22 | $337.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fredericksburg
Based on $27.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.29/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fredericksburg, VA can expect to earn approximately $56,772 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,753. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fredericksburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fredericksburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,091.77 | $4,731 | $56,772 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $655.06 | $2,839 | $34,063 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $436.71 | $1,892 | $22,709 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Fredericksburg) | $27.29 |
| 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 Fredericksburg, VA earn a median of $56,776 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.65% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.60% below the Virginia state average of $58,292.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.29/hr = $34,063/year (purchasing power: $33,007).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,772/year (purchasing power: $55,012).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.00/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fredericksburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.00/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.80/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.96/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.14/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.69/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.34/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 Fredericksburg grew 25.2% from $21.00/hr (2019) to $26.29/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.34/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 Fredericksburg 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 Fredericksburg
Fredericksburg's heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration workforce indicates lucrative potential for part-time and per-diem opportunities. A mechanic working 24 hours a week may take home approximately $24,000 per year if they qualify for consistent gigs, compared to the earnings of their full-time counterparts. Per diem workers can additionally earn between $80 to $150 per day on various commercial contracts, which substantially boosts their overall earnings. In this competitive landscape, technicians on residential service calls often receive minimum charges ranging from $90 to $180. Employer types also influence hourly compensation; for instance, contractors often pay lower rates to provide benefits such as health insurance, while self-employed contractors can command higher rates of $90 to $160 per hour in high-cost markets. Smart negotiation is crucial; being aware of the local job market conditions can empower hourly workers to discuss pay effectively, leading to better compensation based on the skills and certifications, like EPA Section 608 and NATE, they bring to the table.
More salary data for Fredericksburg, VA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Fredericksburg, VA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Fredericksburg, VA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Fredericksburg, VA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fredericksburg in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Fredericksburg?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fredericksburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Fredericksburg?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Fredericksburg?
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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 Fredericksburg. 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 Fredericksburg 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