Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Boulder, CO: $33.70 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Boulder, CO runs $33.70 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,105 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Boulder's regional price level (BEA RPP 105.2, 5% above national), each hour of work buys what $32.03 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,058 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Boulder, Colorado, the projected median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $33.70, significantly higher than the national average of $28.93. This rate offers a competitive edge for those seeking part-time work, particularly for professionals looking to balance their commitments with part-time schedules, such as three days a week. In practical settings, such as residential service routes, commercial HVAC installations, or refrigeration systems in supermarkets, skilled technicians can perform efficiently while earning a solid hourly pay. The hourly pay structure reflects a range from $23.18 at entry-level to $53.90 for top earners in the field, showcasing the potential for career advancement and increased earnings as one gains experience and expertise.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $23.18 | $185.46 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.42 | $227.32 |
| Median (P50) | $33.70 | $269.60 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.44 | $339.53 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.90 | $431.23 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Boulder
Based on $33.70/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.70/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Boulder, CO can expect to earn approximately $70,096 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,440. With a cost-of-living index of 105.20 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Boulder.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Boulder
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,348.00 | $5,841 | $70,096 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $808.80 | $3,505 | $42,058 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.20 | $2,337 | $28,038 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Boulder) | $33.70 |
| 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 Boulder, CO earn a median of $70,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.50% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 14.60% above the Colorado state average of $61,174.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.70/hr = $42,058/year (purchasing power: $39,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,096/year (purchasing power: $66,630).
CoL index: 105.202 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$29.44/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.46/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.70/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+18.8%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Boulder (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $29.44/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $30.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $29.18/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.20/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $29.91/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.68/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.46/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.70/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $34.99/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 Boulder grew 10.3% from $29.44/hr (2019) to $32.46/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $34.99/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 Boulder 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 Boulder
For individuals considering part-time work as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Boulder, the earning potential can yield substantial annual returns, even working just 24 hours a week. Depending on experience and employer type, skilled workers secure part-time roles that allow for tailored schedules while maintaining competitiveness in income. Those opting for per-diem positions can see marked variation, as travel technicians on commercial projects often earn between $80 and $150 daily in addition to their base hourly salary of $30 to $55, while residential service calls can start at $90 and reach up to $180. Self-employed contractors may see effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak demand, reflecting the high cost of living in Boulder. While larger firms offer stability and benefits, many mechanics trade off higher hourly wages for jobs that provide health insurance and retirement plans. It is crucial for hourly workers to understand these dynamics and negotiate effectively by emphasizing relevant experience and specialized certifications to increase their earning potential in this thriving market.
More salary data for Boulder, CO:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Boulder. 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