Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Norfolk, VA: $28.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Norfolk, VA runs $28.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,530 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Norfolk's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.74 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,722 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Norfolk, Virginia, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at a median of $28.62. This figure is slightly below the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting local market conditions. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this rate can yield a decent income while accommodating other commitments. Per-diem opportunities are available in various settings, including residential service routes, commercial HVAC units, and cold storage locations, which can lead to variable earnings based on job type. Entry-level positions start at approximately $17.44 per hour, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $44.36 per hour, showcasing a range that supports growth and advancement in this skilled trade.
About the Norfolk 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) | $17.44 | $139.53 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.67 | $173.34 |
| Median (P50) | $28.62 | $228.99 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $36.64 | $293.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $44.36 | $354.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Norfolk
Based on $28.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.62/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Norfolk, VA can expect to earn approximately $59,536 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,348. With a cost-of-living index of 103.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Norfolk.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Norfolk
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,144.93 | $4,961 | $59,536 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $686.96 | $2,977 | $35,722 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $457.97 | $1,985 | $23,814 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Norfolk) | $28.62 |
| 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 Norfolk, VA earn a median of $59,530 per year (2026 est.), which is 1.07% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.10% above the Virginia state average of $58,306.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.62/hr = $35,722/year (purchasing power: $34,614).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,536/year (purchasing power: $57,690).
CoL index: 103.2 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$22.02/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.57/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Norfolk (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $22.02/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.86/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.98/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $23.22/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.05/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.57/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.72/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 Norfolk grew 25.2% from $22.02/hr (2019) to $27.57/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.72/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 Norfolk 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 Norfolk
The earning dynamics for part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can significantly vary compared to full-time roles. For instance, a worker on a 24-hour week schedule might earn around $36,792 annually, a figure that reflects a trade-off for flexibility. Per diem pay for those traveling to out-of-town jobs often ranges between $80 and $150 a day, combined with base rates of $30 to $55 per hour, which can elevate total compensation considerably. Moreover, self-employed contractors often command rates from $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons, influencing the local competitive landscape. The choice of employer dramatically impacts hourly earnings, as residential service companies may offer lower rates compared to commercial HVAC firms or specialty refrigeration companies, often trading off for benefits and job security. Workers should be prepared to negotiate based on their skills and the unique demands of the Norfolk market.
More salary data for Norfolk, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Norfolk in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Norfolk?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Norfolk paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Norfolk?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Norfolk?
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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 Norfolk. 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 Norfolk 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