Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Myrtle Beach, SC: $25.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Myrtle Beach, SC runs $25.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $53,487 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Myrtle Beach's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.46 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $32,094 per year.
Official BLS data · View source

Heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Myrtle Beach earn a median hourly rate of $25.72. This figure is noticeably below the national median of $28.93, indicating a competitive but somewhat constrained local market. For part-time professionals working approximately three days per week, the earnings can be appealing. Those in this role often navigate various work environments, from residential service routes to commercial systems such as rooftop units and precision cooling rooms. Entry-level technicians can expect to start around $18.65 per hour, while the most seasoned workers can earn up to $34.58 as their expertise grows. With around 630 mechanics and installers actively employed in the area, the hourly rates reflect the dynamics of local demand and economic conditions, based on 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.65 | $149.17 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.19 | $177.49 |
| Median (P50) | $25.72 | $205.73 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $28.03 | $224.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $34.58 | $276.66 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Myrtle Beach
Based on $25.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.72/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Myrtle Beach, SC can expect to earn approximately $53,490 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,859. With a cost-of-living index of 93.64 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Myrtle Beach.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Myrtle Beach
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,028.65 | $4,457 | $53,490 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $617.19 | $2,674 | $32,094 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $411.46 | $1,783 | $21,396 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Myrtle Beach) | $25.72 |
| 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 Myrtle Beach, SC earn a median of $53,487 per year (2026 est.), which is 11.11% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.60% below the South Carolina state average of $57,267.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.72/hr = $32,094/year (purchasing power: $34,273).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $53,490/year (purchasing power: $57,122).
CoL index: 93.642 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.77/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.0%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Myrtle Beach (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.72/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.19/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.86/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.84/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.73/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.77/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.70/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 Myrtle Beach grew 25.3% from $19.77/hr (2019) to $24.77/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.70/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 Myrtle Beach 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 Myrtle Beach
Part-time technicians can find solid opportunities in Myrtle Beach, but their annual take-home pay diverges significantly from full-time peers. Working 24 hours a week offers a reasonable income, though it won't match the yearly earnings of a full-time role. Per diem positions present another avenue, with heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers on commercial projects earning an additional $80-$150 per day alongside hourly wages ranging from $30-$55. With residential service calls typically starting around $90-$180, those self-employed or working for agencies can capitalize on peak seasons to boost their income. Different employer types affect hourly rates substantially; residential service companies may pay less but offer health benefits, while commercial operations might provide higher base pay with less variability. This necessitates clear negotiation strategies, especially for hourly workers. Understanding the trade-offs between hourly rates and benefits will help technicians navigate their career paths effectively while adapting to shifts within the industry, including the growing focus on heat pump installations and energy-efficient technologies.
More salary data for Myrtle Beach, SC:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Myrtle Beach, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Myrtle Beach in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Myrtle Beach?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Myrtle Beach paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Myrtle Beach?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Myrtle Beach?
Related Pages
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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 Myrtle Beach. 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