Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Murray, KY: $25.62 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Murray, KY runs $25.62 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,292 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Murray's regional price level (BEA RPP 89.3, 11% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.69 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,977 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Murray, Kentucky, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to reach $25.62 by 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $28.93, which may impact those considering part-time work or per-diem opportunities. For a part-time worker operating three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a weekly pre-tax income of around $307.44, or approximately $15,971 annually, significantly less than a full-time technician. With an hourly range from $18.86 for entry-level positions to $37.99 for the top earners in Murray, professionals can find varied opportunities in residential service truck roles, commercial installations, and even as self-employed contractors, where the flexibility and earning potential can vary widely.
About the Murray Market
Salary estimated from Kentucky average ($50,000) 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) | $18.86 | $150.91 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.46 | $171.68 |
| Median (P50) | $25.62 | $204.98 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $31.74 | $253.90 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.99 | $303.90 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Murray
Based on $25.62/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.62/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Murray, KY can expect to earn approximately $53,295 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,747. With a cost-of-living index of 89.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Murray.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Murray
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,024.91 | $4,441 | $53,295 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $614.95 | $2,665 | $31,977 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $409.96 | $1,777 | $21,318 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Murray) | $25.62 |
| 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 Murray, KY earn a median of $53,292 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.44% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.50% below the Kentucky state average of $56,997.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.62/hr = $31,977/year (purchasing power: $35,809).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,295/year (purchasing power: $59,681).
CoL index: 89.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.71/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.68/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.62/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Murray (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.71/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.67/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.79/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $23.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.08/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.68/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.62/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.60/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 Murray grew 25.2% from $19.71/hr (2019) to $24.68/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.60/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 Murray 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 Murray
Earning potential in this field often reflects employer type and job responsibilities. A technician working part-time can face stark contrasts in compensation when engaging in per diem roles, especially for commercial and industrial projects, where daily rates between $80 and $150 are commonplace alongside base hourly pay of $30 to $55. For those in residential service jobs, minimum service call charges can range from $90 to $180, reflecting industry standards for on-call work. Self-employed contractors, particularly in high-cost-of-living areas, may command rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak season, balancing the higher earnings against the absence of benefits. Many choose positions with lower hourly wages but include benefits like healthcare, thus enhancing job security. Negotiating pay effectively often hinges on showcasing certifications such as EPA Section 608 and NATE, alongside a track record of reliable service and problem-solving skills that address the unique demands of both residential and commercial clients in Murray, KY.
More salary data for Murray, KY:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Murray in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Murray?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Murray paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Murray?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Murray?
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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 Murray. 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 Murray 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