HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Salt Lake City, UT: $28.83 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Salt Lake City, UT runs $28.83 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $59,957 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Salt Lake City's regional price level (BEA RPP 100.9, 1% above national), each hour of work buys what $28.58 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $35,981 per year.

$59,957
Median Annual Salary
$28.83/hr
Hourly Rate
$37,844
Entry Level (P10)
$82,059
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data · View source

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

In Salt Lake City, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to reach $28.83 in 2026. This figure is slightly below the national median hourly rate of $28.93, indicating competitive yet accessible wages within the region. For part-time workers, particularly those operating on a schedule of three days per week, this translates to about $1,740 monthly, a solid income for those balancing multiple jobs. Within the Salt Lake City market, the hourly range for mechanics and installers spans from $18.20 for entry-level positions to as much as $39.45 for the top earners. These positions often involve unique working environments, from residential service routes to complex commercial installations, where pay structures can significantly vary depending on the site and client needs, showing clear distinctions in the earning potential across different types of service.

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

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$18.20$145.60
Lower Range (P25)$22.56$180.48
Median (P50)$28.83$230.65
Upper Range (P75)$35.75$285.96
Top Earners (P90)$39.45$315.61

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Salt Lake City

Based on $28.83/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Salt Lake City earning $28.83/hr would make approximately $34,597 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $59,968 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$34,597Reduced (32 hr/wk)$46,129Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$59,968

At $28.83/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Salt Lake City, UT can expect to earn approximately $59,968 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $34,597. With a cost-of-living index of 100.87 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Salt Lake City.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$230.65
per 8hr shift
$1,153.23
per week
$4,997
per month
$59,968
per year

Schedule Comparison in Salt Lake City

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,153.23$4,997$59,968
Part-Time (24 hrs)$691.94$2,998$35,981
Per Diem (16 hrs)$461.29$1,999$23,987

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Salt Lake City)$28.83
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 Salt Lake City ($59,957) with Utah average ($54,656) and the US national median ($60,174).Salt Lake City$59,957Utah Avg$54,656+9.70%US National$60,174-0.36%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Salt Lake City, UT earn a median of $59,957 per year (2026 est.), which is 0.36% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 9.70% above the Utah state average of $54,656.

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

Working 24h/week at $28.83/hr = $35,981/year (purchasing power: $35,671).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $59,968/year (purchasing power: $59,452).

CoL index: 100.868 (100 = national average).

2019 BLS Actual

$26.61/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$27.77/hr

2026 Current Est.

$28.83/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+12.5%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Salt Lake City (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 Salt Lake City. Baseline $26.61/hr in 2025, projected to $29.93/hr by 2027.$22$24$27$29$312019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.61$27.84$23.35$24.90$25.39$27.46$27.77$28.83$29.93
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$26.61/hrActual
2020$27.84/hrActual
2021$23.35/hrActual
2022$24.90/hrActual
2023$25.39/hrActual
2024$27.46/hrActual
2025$27.77/hrActual
2026(current)$28.83/hrEstimated
2027$29.93/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 Salt Lake City grew 4.4% from $26.61/hr (2019) to $27.77/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $29.93/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 Salt Lake City 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 Salt Lake City

Examining the earning potential in Salt Lake City reveals notable disparities between part-time and full-time jobs in this sector. A mechanic working part-time at 24 hours a week stands to earn approximately $20,880 per year, which is significantly lower than the earnings of full-time workers who may reach annual figures surpassing $59,957. For those pursuing temporary or per-diem positions, attractive rates exist, with travel HVAC technicians typically earning between $80 to $150 daily, alongside hourly pay ranging from $30 to $55. Residential service calls often result in minimum charges between $90 to $180. Self-employed contractors can command higher effective rates, with figures between $90 and $160, particularly during peak seasons. In Salt Lake City, compensation also varies greatly by employer; residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and specialty refrigeration firms each have distinct wage scales influenced by local demand and specialized skills. Many technicians may opt for lower hourly wages to secure benefits such as health insurance, an important consideration in a market where negotiating for higher pay without benefits can be complex. For those in the industry, understanding local labor trends can greatly aid in effective negotiation strategies, especially in a city undergoing rapid development and technological transitions in HVAC systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Salt Lake City is $28.83/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $18.20 at entry level (10th percentile) to $39.45 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 0.4% below 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 Salt Lake City?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Salt Lake City earns approximately $2,998/month, or $35,981/year at the median hourly rate of $28.83. 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 Salt Lake City paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Salt Lake City are paid hourly at a median rate of $28.83/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $59,968/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 Salt Lake City?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Salt Lake City earns approximately $59,968/year at the median hourly rate of $28.83. This is 0.4% below the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $82,059/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 Salt Lake City?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Salt Lake City sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $39.45/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 Salt Lake City. 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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