Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in East Providence, RI: $27.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in East Providence, RI runs $27.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $56,946 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against East Providence's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.5, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $27.24 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $34,167 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In East Providence, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is projected to reach $27.38 in 2026, a figure that is slightly below the national median of $28.93. For individuals considering part-time roles, working three days a week could result in approximately $42,000 annually based on a typical 24-hour workweek. This industry offers a diverse spectrum of earning potential, with entry-level positions starting at around $18.46 per hour and top earners potentially making $41.54. Most of these mechanics and installers operate in various contexts such as residential service routes, commercial systems, and specialized refrigeration setups, providing flexibility for self-employed contractors who can influence their earnings based on demand and hours worked.
About the East Providence Market
Salary estimated from Rhode Island 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) | $18.46 | $147.67 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.80 | $174.42 |
| Median (P50) | $27.38 | $219.02 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $34.30 | $274.42 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $41.54 | $332.31 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in East Providence
Based on $27.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $27.38/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in East Providence, RI can expect to earn approximately $56,945 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,853. With a cost-of-living index of 100.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in East Providence.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in East Providence
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,095.09 | $4,745 | $56,945 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $657.06 | $2,847 | $34,167 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $438.04 | $1,898 | $22,778 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (East Providence) | $27.38 |
| 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 East Providence, RI earn a median of $56,946 per year (2026 est.), which is 5.36% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 0.90% below the Rhode Island state average of $57,463.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $27.38/hr = $34,167/year (purchasing power: $33,997).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $56,945/year (purchasing power: $56,662).
CoL index: 100.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$21.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$26.37/hr
2026 Current Est.
$27.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in East Providence (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.87/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $29.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $26.37/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $27.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $28.42/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 East Providence grew 25.2% from $21.06/hr (2019) to $26.37/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $28.42/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 East Providence 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 East Providence
Shifting to per-diem opportunities in the HVAC sector, mechanics and installers can see varied pay structures, particularly for those taking on travel contracts. When working on out-of-town commercial projects, these professionals could earn an additional $80-$150 per day in per diem benefits on top of their base hourly wage of $30-$55. Those engaged in residential service calls often face minimum charge structures ranging from $90 to $180, which can significantly impact their overall take-home pay. The difference in hourly compensation often reflects the type of employer: residential service companies typically offer lower base rates but may include commissions, while commercial operations can provide more stability but are often salaried. Thus, some may choose a lower hourly rate for the added benefit of health insurance, while others might prefer higher pay without benefits. When negotiating, mechanics and installers can leverage these factors to aim for optimal compensation based on their specific circumstances in East Providence, RI.
More salary data for East Providence, RI:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in East Providence, RI
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in East Providence, RI
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in East Providence, RI
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in East Providence in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in East Providence?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in East Providence paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in East Providence?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in East Providence?
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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 East Providence. 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 East Providence 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