Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Fairmont, WV: $21.56 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Fairmont, WV runs $21.56 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,844 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Fairmont's regional price level (BEA RPP 86.5, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,911 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Fairmont, West Virginia, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $21.56. This figure lags behind the national hourly median of $28.93, indicating a notable variance in pay for HVAC professionals in the area. For those working part-time with a schedule of three days a week, this translates to around $1,112 a week, or approximately $57,824 annually, assuming a full workload. The hourly range for positions in Fairmont varies significantly, from $15.69 at the entry-level to $31.76 for those at the top of the pay scale, reflecting the diverse settings these professionals operate in, such as residential service routes, commercial buildings, and data centers. These estimates are derived from annual salary data and provide insights into the earning potential based on experience and employer type.
About the Fairmont Market
Salary estimated from West Virginia average ($48,000) 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) | $15.69 | $125.50 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.92 | $143.35 |
| Median (P50) | $21.56 | $172.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.58 | $212.62 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.76 | $254.07 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairmont
Based on $21.56/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.56/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairmont, WV can expect to earn approximately $44,852 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,876. With a cost-of-living index of 86.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Fairmont.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairmont
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $862.54 | $3,738 | $44,852 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $517.52 | $2,243 | $26,911 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $345.01 | $1,495 | $17,941 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Fairmont) | $21.56 |
| 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 Fairmont, WV earn a median of $44,844 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.48% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.90% below the West Virginia state average of $48,168.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.56/hr = $26,911/year (purchasing power: $31,111).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,852/year (purchasing power: $51,852).
CoL index: 86.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.56/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fairmont (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.22/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.56/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.50/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.51/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.56/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.39/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 Fairmont grew 25.2% from $16.59/hr (2019) to $20.77/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.39/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 Fairmont 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 Fairmont
Regarding the earning opportunities within this field, part-time mechanics can achieve a respectable income, although it pales in comparison to full-time workers. The per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Fairmont, particularly for those on commercial or industrial projects, garners attention as travel techs often receive base salaries between $30 and $55 per hour, supplemented by daily per diem rates ranging from $80 to $150. Practitioners in residential sectors might earn a minimum of $90 to $180 per service call, while self-employed contractors may tap into higher rates, particularly during peak seasons. In Fairmont, hourly wages differ among employer types; technicians at residential service companies may earn less due to benefits, while commercial contractors could offer steadier but lower pay for predictable hours. Negotiation tactics for hourly workers can include emphasized skills, willingness to learn, and the ability to cover multiple service types, positioning oneself as a valuable asset in the Fairmont HVAC market.
More salary data for Fairmont, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fairmont in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Fairmont?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fairmont paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Fairmont?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Fairmont?
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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 Fairmont. 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 Fairmont 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