Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Watertown, SD: $24.52 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Watertown, SD runs $24.52 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $51,010 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Watertown's regional price level (BEA RPP 92.8, 7% below national), each hour of work buys what $26.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $30,604 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Watertown, South Dakota, the projected median hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $24.52, which is considerably below the national median of $28.93. This difference matters for workers in different employment situations, such as those juggling part-time roles, like working three days a week. For part-time workers, this hourly rate translates to an income that is quite modest compared to what full-time workers earn. The hourly range for this profession in Watertown can vary significantly, starting from $17.13 for entry-level positions and extending up to $36.18 for experienced professionals. These projections are derived from annual salary data but help indicate what workers might expect when committing to roles involving service truck routes, commercial HVAC installations, or refrigeration setups in retail environments.
About the Watertown Market
Salary estimated from South Dakota average ($54,000) 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) | $17.13 | $137.04 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $19.87 | $158.97 |
| Median (P50) | $24.52 | $196.18 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.26 | $242.11 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.18 | $289.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Watertown
Based on $24.52/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $24.52/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Watertown, SD can expect to earn approximately $51,006 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $29,427. With a cost-of-living index of 92.80 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Watertown.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Watertown
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $980.89 | $4,251 | $51,006 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $588.53 | $2,550 | $30,604 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $392.36 | $1,700 | $20,403 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Watertown) | $24.52 |
| 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 Watertown, SD earn a median of $51,010 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.23% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.80% below the South Dakota state average of $53,025.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $24.52/hr = $30,604/year (purchasing power: $32,978).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $51,006/year (purchasing power: $54,964).
CoL index: 92.8 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.87/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$23.62/hr
2026 Current Est.
$24.52/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Watertown (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.87/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $19.59/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.83/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $19.90/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.18/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.17/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $23.62/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $24.52/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $25.46/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 Watertown grew 25.2% from $18.87/hr (2019) to $23.62/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $25.46/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 Watertown 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 Watertown
There are distinct earning potentials for those in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field in Watertown, particularly for those considering part-time work. A mechanic working 24 hours per week could anticipate an annual take-home significantly lower than that of full-time colleagues, leading to a more restrictive lifestyle. Per diem opportunities can also provide a more lucrative path; technicians engaged in travel projects can command rates of $80 to $150 per day in addition to a base hourly rate of $30 to $55. Specialized roles in commercial HVAC or self-employment may yield even higher returns, particularly in high-cost areas. However, trade-offs exist between hourly rates and benefits. Many mechanics and installers must evaluate whether a higher hourly wage sans benefits is more advantageous than a slightly lower rate accompanied by health insurance. To negotiate effectively, local workers should consider their value in the marketplace and be prepared to discuss benefits and work conditions with prospective employers.
More salary data for Watertown, SD:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Watertown in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Watertown?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Watertown paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Watertown?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Watertown?
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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 Watertown. 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 Watertown 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