Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Hampton, VA: $28.01 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Hampton, VA runs $28.01 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,255 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Hampton's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.14 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,957 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Hampton, VA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $28.01 in 2026. This figure positions local technicians slightly below the national median hourly rate of $28.93. Those working part-time or on a per-diem basis can find several opportunities in various settings, including residential service truck routes, commercial mechanical rooms, and food service refrigeration systems. For those just starting their careers, hourly wages may be as low as $18.74, while seasoned professionals can earn as much as $43.41 per hour. It's essential to be mindful that these rates reflect estimates derived from annual salary projections, providing a comprehensive view of what workers can expect in this essential industry.
About the Hampton 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) | $18.74 | $149.92 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.31 | $178.49 |
| Median (P50) | $28.01 | $224.09 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.85 | $286.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.41 | $347.26 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hampton
Based on $28.01/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.01/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hampton, VA can expect to earn approximately $58,262 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,613. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Hampton.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hampton
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,120.43 | $4,855 | $58,262 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $672.26 | $2,913 | $34,957 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $448.17 | $1,942 | $23,305 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Hampton) | $28.01 |
| 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 Hampton, VA earn a median of $58,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 3.19% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.10% below the Virginia state average of $58,314.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.01/hr = $34,957/year (purchasing power: $33,873).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,262/year (purchasing power: $56,456).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.55/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.01/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hampton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.55/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.37/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.51/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.34/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.01/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.08/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 Hampton grew 25.2% from $21.55/hr (2019) to $26.98/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.08/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 Hampton 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 Hampton
Analyzing the part-time earning potential reveals that a mechanic working 24 hours a week could expect to earn around $34,998 annually, significantly less than a full-time counterpart. The per diem scenario is often more lucrative, as travel HVAC technicians can receive $80-$150 daily alongside hourly wages ranging from $30 to $55. For residential service calls, minimums can be expected between $90 and $180, making it feasible for self-employed contractors in high-cost areas to charge effective rates of $90-$160 per hour during peak demand periods like the current heat pump installation boom, driven by the IRA tax credits. In Hampton, hourly rates can also vary widely based on the employment type, such as residential service companies needing more flexibility or commercial firms offering more job stability. Mechanics should consider trade-offs, including benefits versus higher hourly rates, when evaluating job offers. For those looking to negotiate, understanding industry standards and being prepared to discuss value can lead to more favorable outcomes in this competitive job market.
More salary data for Hampton, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hampton in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Hampton?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hampton paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Hampton?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Hampton?
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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 Hampton. 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 Hampton 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