Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Fort Collins, CO: $31.44 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Fort Collins, CO runs $31.44 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,382 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Fort Collins's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.1, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $31.09 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,233 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Fort Collins, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay reaches an impressive median of $31.44. This figure is noticeably higher than the national average of $28.93, highlighting the region's demand for skilled professionals in this field. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, this pay translates to approximately $1,257 weekly, making it a viable option for individuals balancing multiple commitments. The hourly pay range spans from $22.89 for entry-level positions to as much as $49.80 for highly experienced technicians or self-employed contractors. This data, which reflects the official Bureau of Labor Statistics projections for 2026 based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, emphasizes the diverse earnings potential available across various employment opportunities within Fort Collins, including residential service call routes and commercial installations.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $22.89 | $183.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.28 | $226.24 |
| Median (P50) | $31.44 | $251.49 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $49.37 | $394.93 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $49.80 | $398.42 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Fort Collins
Based on $31.44/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $31.44/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Fort Collins, CO can expect to earn approximately $65,388 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,724. With a cost-of-living index of 101.13 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Fort Collins.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Fort Collins
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,257.47 | $5,449 | $65,388 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $754.48 | $3,269 | $39,233 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $502.99 | $2,180 | $26,155 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Fort Collins) | $31.44 |
| 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 Fort Collins, CO earn a median of $65,382 per year (2026 est.), which is 8.65% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.90% above the Colorado state average of $61,162.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $31.44/hr = $39,233/year (purchasing power: $38,795).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,388/year (purchasing power: $64,659).
CoL index: 101.128 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$25.84/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$30.28/hr
2026 Current Est.
$31.44/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+26.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Fort Collins (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.84/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $25.14/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $23.48/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $25.00/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $28.64/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.58/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $30.28/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $31.44/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $32.64/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 Fort Collins grew 17.2% from $25.84/hr (2019) to $30.28/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.64/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 Fort Collins 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 Fort Collins
Examining the earning dynamics further reveals the financial realities for part-time technicians. A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 24 hours over three days would see annual earnings fall significantly short of their full-time counterparts, yet still provide a respectable income. Many choose per-diem work, especially on commercial or industrial projects, where they might earn between $80 and $150 daily on top of hourly wages ranging from $30 to $55. While residential service calls often guarantee minimum charges from $90 to $180, self-employed contractors in high-cost-of-living environments can clear effective rates of $90 to $160 hourly during peak work seasons. The various employer types in Fort Collins yield different pay scales; residential companies may offer commission structures boosting total earnings, while commercial contractors often provide more predictable salaries with overtime opportunities. The choice between higher hourly rates and benefits like health insurance shapes decision-making for many mechanics, emphasizing the need for strategic negotiation skills when discussing offers in the local HVAC job market.
More salary data for Fort Collins, CO:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Fort Collins, CO
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Fort Collins, CO
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Fort Collins, CO
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fort Collins in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Fort Collins?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Fort Collins paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Fort Collins?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Fort Collins?
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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 Fort Collins. 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