Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Montgomery, AL: $23.08 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Montgomery, AL runs $23.08 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,013 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Montgomery's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.7, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $28,803 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Montgomery, Alabama, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $23.08, which is notably lower than the national median of $28.93. This disparity reflects the regional cost of living, which is below the national average, offering a unique backdrop for employment considerations in this field. For part-time employees working three days a week, the median hourly rate can offer a flexible earning potential without the need for full-time commitments; they could expect around $17.02 at entry-level positions, while highly experienced technicians could earn as much as $31.27 working on complex systems such as commercial building rooftop units or precision cooling in data centers. This BLS data highlights both the competitive nature of the HVAC market in Montgomery and the opportunities available for those this profession.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.02 | $136.13 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.28 | $154.23 |
| Median (P50) | $23.08 | $184.63 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.44 | $227.49 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.27 | $250.16 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Montgomery
Based on $23.08/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.08/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Montgomery, AL can expect to earn approximately $48,005 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $27,695. With a cost-of-living index of 89.68 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Montgomery.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Montgomery
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $923.17 | $4,000 | $48,005 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $553.90 | $2,400 | $28,803 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $369.27 | $1,600 | $19,202 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Montgomery) | $23.08 |
| 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 Montgomery, AL earn a median of $48,013 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.21% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.80% above the Alabama state average of $47,632.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.08/hr = $28,803/year (purchasing power: $32,117).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,005/year (purchasing power: $53,528).
CoL index: 89.682 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$23.60/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.23/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.08/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+1.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Montgomery (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23.60/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $23.81/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.59/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.16/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.62/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.52/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.23/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.08/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.96/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 Montgomery grew -5.8% from $23.60/hr (2019) to $22.23/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.96/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 Montgomery 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 Montgomery
When evaluating the financial prospects, part-time workers focused on a three-day work schedule can expect to bring home approximately $28,350 annually, significantly lower than their full-time counterparts. Moreover, per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can often maximize their earnings through travel opportunities, command an impressive daily per diem of $80 to $150, along with base hourly rates ranging from $30 to $55. In Montgomery, varying employer types, from residential service firms like Trane and Carrier to commercial contractors and self-employed options, can influence hourly wages. While some technicians may prioritize higher hourly rates without benefits, others might choose to accept lower pay for the security of health insurance. Negotiating hourly pay can be crucial in this market; understanding the commission structures at residential service companies and recognizing the differences between commercial and residential pay scales can empower technicians to make informed decisions about their careers in this growing field.
More salary data for Montgomery, AL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Montgomery in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Montgomery?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Montgomery paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Montgomery?
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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 Montgomery. 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