Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in North Charleston, SC: $28.29 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in North Charleston, SC runs $28.29 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $58,838 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against North Charleston's regional price level (BEA RPP 91.5, 8% below national), each hour of work buys what $30.92 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,307 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In North Charleston, South Carolina, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly pay of $28.29, slightly below the national median of $28.93. This hourly rate is significant for those considering both full-time and part-time work, as it translates to different earning potentials depending on one's work schedule. For part-time workers operating three days per week, typically totaling 24 hours, this rate can still provide a solid income, enabling them to maintain flexibility while getting experience in the field. The hourly pay for this occupation can range from $17.22 for entry-level positions to as high as $43.84 for top earners. These estimates account for various settings, including residential service routes, commercial installations on rooftops and in mechanical rooms, as well as self-employed contractors covering diverse clientele from supermarkets to data centers.
About the North Charleston Market
Salary estimated from South Carolina 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) | $17.22 | $137.79 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $23.01 | $184.05 |
| Median (P50) | $28.29 | $226.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $35.68 | $285.46 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $43.84 | $350.75 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in North Charleston
Based on $28.29/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $28.29/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in North Charleston, SC can expect to earn approximately $58,845 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $33,949. With a cost-of-living index of 91.50 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in North Charleston.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in North Charleston
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,131.64 | $4,904 | $58,845 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $678.98 | $2,942 | $35,307 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $452.66 | $1,962 | $23,538 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (North Charleston) | $28.29 |
| 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 North Charleston, SC earn a median of $58,838 per year (2026 est.), which is 2.22% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.80% above the South Carolina state average of $57,235.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $28.29/hr = $35,307/year (purchasing power: $38,587).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $58,845/year (purchasing power: $64,312).
CoL index: 91.5 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$21.77/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$27.25/hr
2026 Current Est.
$28.29/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in North Charleston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $21.77/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.60/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $21.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.95/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $25.59/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $22.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $27.25/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $28.29/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $29.37/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 North Charleston grew 25.2% from $21.77/hr (2019) to $27.25/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.37/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 North Charleston 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 North Charleston
Part-time technicians working a 24-hour week can anticipate an annual take-home of about $35,000, significantly less than full-time counterparts but still viable for those seeking work-life balance in North Charleston. The per diem reality further diversifies earning potential; travel technicians on commercial projects can earn between $80 to $150 daily in addition to an hourly wage ranging from $30 to $55. Those making service calls on residential assignments typically see minimums between $90 and $180, while self-employed workers in high-cost areas can achieve rates between $90 and $160. Employers vary widely, with both residential service companies and large commercial contractors offering distinct hourly rates and benefits, often a trade-off between higher pay and health insurance. Familiarity with specific negotiation tactics can be crucial for hourly workers in this competitive segment, especially given the pressure on commission structures tied to both residential and commercial projects in the face of growing demand for heat pump installations driven by tax incentives.
More salary data for North Charleston, SC:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Charleston, SC
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Charleston, SC
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in North Charleston, SC
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Charleston in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in North Charleston?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in North Charleston paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in North Charleston?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in North Charleston?
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 North Charleston. 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 North Charleston 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