Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Fairbanks, AK: $44.49 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Fairbanks, AK runs $44.49 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $92,534 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Fairbanks's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.2, 3% above national), each hour of work buys what $43.10 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $55,520 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fairbanks, Alaska, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a notable median hourly rate of $44.49. This figure significantly exceeds the national hourly median, which sits at $28.93. For workers engaged in part-time or per-diem positions—common in residential service routes and commercial installations—this means an excellent opportunity to capitalize on their technical skills. Typically, those working three days a week may find themselves earning substantial income by servicing residential HVAC needs or commercial refrigeration systems. The hourly compensation ranges from $25.75 for entry-level positions to $50.17 for highly experienced technicians, reflecting the competitive job market and demand for skilled professionals in varying settings across Fairbanks.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $25.75 | $205.98 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.44 | $227.49 |
| Median (P50) | $44.49 | $355.89 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $48.50 | $388.04 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $50.17 | $401.33 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fairbanks
Based on $44.49/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $44.49/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fairbanks, AK can expect to earn approximately $92,533 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $53,384. With a cost-of-living index of 103.21 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fairbanks.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fairbanks
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,779.47 | $7,711 | $92,533 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,067.68 | $4,627 | $55,520 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $711.79 | $3,084 | $37,013 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Fairbanks) | $44.49 |
| 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 Fairbanks, AK earn a median of $92,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 53.78% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 52.60% above the Alaska state average of $60,638.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $44.49/hr = $55,520/year (purchasing power: $53,794).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $92,533/year (purchasing power: $89,657).
CoL index: 103.208 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$30.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$42.85/hr
2026 Current Est.
$44.49/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+49.7%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fairbanks (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $30.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $45.54/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $36.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $36.55/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.98/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.50/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $42.85/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $44.49/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $46.19/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 Fairbanks grew 38.9% from $30.86/hr (2019) to $42.85/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $46.19/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 Fairbanks 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 Fairbanks
Examining the earning potential for part-time mechanics reveals that working just 24 hours a week could yield a yearly take-home of around $55,000. This calculation is particularly advantageous compared to the full-time counterpart. In the per-diem realm, technicians servicing out-of-town projects may receive between $30 and $55 per hour, supplemented by daily stipends ranging from $80 to $150. Residential service calls, often charged at minimums of $90 to $180, can significantly enhance earnings, especially for self-employed contractors who might clear $90 to $160 during peak times. Hourly rates also vary by employer type—residential service companies tend to offer structured commissions that can increase earnings for technicians. Those accepting lower hourly rates for the added benefit of health insurance must weigh these options against the greater earning potential with higher hourly rates but fewer benefits. Knowledge of regional standards and careful negotiation can lead to improved compensation packages, reflecting the unique market dynamics in Fairbanks, AK.
More salary data for Fairbanks, AK:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fairbanks in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Fairbanks?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fairbanks paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Fairbanks?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Fairbanks?
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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 Fairbanks. 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