Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Middletown, DE: $25.82 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Middletown, DE runs $25.82 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,715 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Middletown's regional price level (BEA RPP 101.7, 2% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.39 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,223 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Middletown, Delaware, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly wage of $25.82, which falls short compared to the national hourly median of $28.93. This discrepancy highlights the dynamics of the local job market, where mechanics often engage in part-time schedules or per-diem positions. For instance, a technician working three days a week could expect to earn around $1,309.92 weekly before deductions, allowing for a flexible work-life balance while serving various environments like residential services, commercial buildings, and specialized settings such as data centers. Entry-level positions might start at $17.68, while experienced professionals can earn as much as $37.70 an hour, reflecting the disparity in skill levels and responsibilities required in different workplaces.
About the Middletown Market
Salary estimated from Delaware average ($62,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.68 | $141.44 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.66 | $165.28 |
| Median (P50) | $25.82 | $206.56 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.62 | $252.99 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.70 | $301.58 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Middletown
Based on $25.82/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.82/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Middletown, DE can expect to earn approximately $53,706 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,984. With a cost-of-living index of 101.70 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Middletown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Middletown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,032.80 | $4,475 | $53,706 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $619.68 | $2,685 | $32,223 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $413.12 | $1,790 | $21,482 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Middletown) | $25.82 |
| 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 Middletown, DE earn a median of $53,715 per year (2026 est.), which is 10.73% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.60% below the Delaware state average of $58,134.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.82/hr = $32,223/year (purchasing power: $31,685).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,706/year (purchasing power: $52,808).
CoL index: 101.7 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$19.86/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.87/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.82/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Middletown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.86/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.62/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.82/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.36/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $28.01/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.87/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.82/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.81/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 Middletown grew 25.2% from $19.86/hr (2019) to $24.87/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.81/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 Middletown 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 Middletown
Earnings potential varies significantly for those in part-time roles and per-diem settings. Taking a typical three-day workweek, an HVAC mechanic may garner an annual income around $34,000 compared to a full-time position's corresponding earnings. Traveling HVAC technicians on commercial or industrial projects may find lucrative per-diem arrangements ranging from $80 to $150 daily, supplemented by a base hourly rate of $30 to $55. Residential service call protocols often establish a minimum charge of $90 to $180, while self-employed contractors in high-cost regions can clear between $90 and $160 per hour, particularly during peak seasons. Employers in Middletown, ranging from residential service companies to commercial contractors, often offer unique compensation packages that may include health insurance benefits. Many mechanics face the choice between a higher hourly rate without benefits or a lower rate with healthcare inclusion. When negotiating hourly pay, workers should consider industry standards, the value of benefits, and local market conditions while remaining prepared to outline their specialized skills and certifications.
More salary data for Middletown, DE:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Middletown in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Middletown?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Middletown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Middletown?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Middletown?
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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 Middletown. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Middletown is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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