HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Syracuse, NY: $31.58 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Syracuse, NY runs $31.58 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $65,687 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Syracuse's regional price level (BEA RPP 95.7, 4% below national), each hour of work buys what $32.99 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $39,414 per year.

$65,687
Median Annual Salary
$31.58/hr
Hourly Rate
$46,671
Entry Level (P10)
$95,453
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Syracuse, NY — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Syracuse, NY heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Syracuse, New York, the median hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to be $31.58 in 2026, surpassing the national hourly median of $28.93. This higher local rate reflects the demand within various service sectors, from residential service truck routes to commercial HVAC systems in large buildings. Part-time or per-diem workers, typically engaged for three days a week, can expect an average earning potential of approximately $1,514 weekly, alongside attractive per-diem options. The hourly wage in Syracuse ranges considerably, from $22.44 for entry-level positions to $45.89 for top earners, providing opportunities for those looking to enter the field as well as those with extensive experience. This data, provided by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and projected to 2026, is essential for anyone considering a career in HVAC.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$22.44$179.48
Lower Range (P25)$25.94$207.56
Median (P50)$31.58$252.66
Upper Range (P75)$37.34$298.75
Top Earners (P90)$45.89$367.11

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Syracuse

Based on $31.58/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Syracuse earning $31.58/hr would make approximately $37,898 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $65,691 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$37,898Reduced (32 hr/wk)$50,531Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$65,691

At $31.58/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Syracuse, NY can expect to earn approximately $65,691 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $37,898. With a cost-of-living index of 95.74 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Syracuse.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$252.66
per 8hr shift
$1,263.28
per week
$5,474
per month
$65,691
per year

Schedule Comparison in Syracuse

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,263.28$5,474$65,691
Part-Time (24 hrs)$757.97$3,285$39,414
Per Diem (16 hrs)$505.31$2,190$26,276

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Syracuse)$31.58
Electrician (National Avg)$31.97
Plumber (National Avg)$32.85
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Auto Service Technician (National Avg)$24.83
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Syracuse ($65,687) with New York average ($61,969) and the US national median ($60,174).Syracuse$65,687New York Avg$61,969+6.00%US National$60,174+9.16%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Syracuse, NY earn a median of $65,687 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.16% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.00% above the New York state average of $61,969.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $31.58/hr = $39,414/year (purchasing power: $41,167).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $65,691/year (purchasing power: $68,612).

CoL index: 95.742 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$24.61/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$30.42/hr

2026 Current Est.

$31.58/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+33.2%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Syracuse (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Syracuse. Baseline $24.61/hr in 2025, projected to $32.79/hr by 2027.$23$26$29$32$342019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$24.61$25.34$28.90$28.78$28.37$29.59$30.42$31.58$32.79
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$24.61/hrActual
2020$25.34/hrActual
2021$28.90/hrActual
2022$28.78/hrActual
2023$28.37/hrActual
2024$29.59/hrActual
2025$30.42/hrActual
2026(current)$31.58/hrEstimated
2027$32.79/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Syracuse grew 23.6% from $24.61/hr (2019) to $30.42/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $32.79/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 (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Syracuse metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 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 Syracuse

Looking deeper into the compensation structure, part-time mechanics working 24 hours a week can earn just over $39,000 annually, significantly less than their full-time counterparts. Per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Syracuse typically commands daily rates between $80 and $150, along with a base hourly pay ranging from $30 to $55. This variability further highlights the lucrative opportunities available to those willing to travel for work. Hourly rates also differ depending on employer type; residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and specialized refrigeration firms each have their own pay structures. While some professionals may accept lower hourly rates for the benefits offered by larger companies, there’s a growing trend of self-employed contractors achieving effective rates from $90 to $160 per hour during high-demand seasons. Effective negotiation is crucial, especially in a competitive marketplace, with key considerations being the balance between health insurance offerings and hourly wages.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Syracuse in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Syracuse is $31.58/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $22.44 at entry level (10th percentile) to $45.89 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 9.2% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Syracuse?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Syracuse earns approximately $3,285/month, or $39,414/year at the median hourly rate of $31.58. Many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Syracuse paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Syracuse are paid hourly at a median rate of $31.58/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $65,691/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Syracuse?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Syracuse earns approximately $65,691/year at the median hourly rate of $31.58. This is 9.2% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $95,448/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Syracuse?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Syracuse sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $45.89/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 Syracuse. 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

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