Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Tucson, AZ: $26.59 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Tucson, AZ runs $26.59 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,302 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Tucson's regional price level (BEA RPP 96.9, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.44 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,182 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Tucson, Arizona, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $26.59, which is slightly below the national average of $28.93. This rate impacts part-time and per-diem workers significantly, particularly those engaged in various work environments such as residential service routes, commercial rooftops, or specialized settings like data centers and supermarkets. Those entering the field can expect to start around $17.09, while top earners in the industry can reach up to $35.97 per hour. The figures presented are based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, providing a reliable benchmark for prospective technicians in Tucson seeking informed salary expectations for this essential trade.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.09 | $136.71 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.14 | $169.10 |
| Median (P50) | $26.59 | $212.71 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.85 | $230.81 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.97 | $287.79 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Tucson
Based on $26.59/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.59/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Tucson, AZ can expect to earn approximately $55,304 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $31,906. With a cost-of-living index of 96.90 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Tucson.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Tucson
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,063.53 | $4,609 | $55,304 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $638.12 | $2,765 | $33,182 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $425.41 | $1,843 | $22,121 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Tucson) | $26.59 |
| 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 Tucson, AZ earn a median of $55,302 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.10% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.10% below the Arizona state average of $56,488.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.59/hr = $33,182/year (purchasing power: $34,245).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,304/year (purchasing power: $57,075).
CoL index: 96.896 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$20.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.61/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.59/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+32.5%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Tucson (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.97/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.17/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.40/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.38/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $24.06/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.61/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.59/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.60/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 Tucson grew 22.9% from $20.84/hr (2019) to $25.61/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.60/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 Tucson 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 Tucson
Transitioning into the specifics of hourly earnings reveals distinct opportunities and challenges. For part-time workers committing to three days a week, approximately 24 hours of work results in an annual take-home that is significantly lower than full-time positions, yet it allows for more flexibility. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers working on commercial projects can command $80-$150 per day in addition to their base pay, which can range from $30 to $55 per hour. Residential service calls may set minimums between $90 and $180, reflecting the varied earning potential across employers from franchises to self-employed contractors. While larger employers may provide benefits that reduce hourly rates slightly, independent contractors can often negotiate rates exceeding $90 per hour during peak demand, especially as the heat pump installation boom continues due to IRA tax credits. For those considering their options, understanding that hourly rates fluctuate based on employer type and available benefits is essential when negotiating compensation in Tucson's competitive HVAC market.
More salary data for Tucson, AZ:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Tucson in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Tucson?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Tucson paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Tucson?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Tucson?
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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 Tucson. 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