Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Essex Junction, VT: $26.89 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Essex Junction, VT runs $26.89 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $55,934 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Essex Junction's regional price level (BEA RPP 103.5, 4% above national), each hour of work buys what $25.98 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $33,558 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Essex Junction, VT, professionals in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field can expect to earn a median hourly wage of $26.89. This figure is slightly lower than the national hourly median of $28.93, indicating a local market that may present unique conditions for tradespeople. For those working part-time, such as three days a week, this translates to a steady income that can cater to various lifestyle choices, particularly appealing for those balancing multiple roles or family commitments. Per-diem opportunities in this field allow skilled workers to tap into lucrative assignments, especially in residential or commercial settings, where they might earn upwards of the hourly range of $18.00 for entry-level positions to $40.42 for the most experienced installers. Overall, these hourly rates are derived from annual salary data, providing a snapshot of the income potential in Essex Junction.
About the Essex Junction Market
Salary estimated from Vermont average ($58,000) 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) | $18.00 | $144.02 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $22.27 | $178.16 |
| Median (P50) | $26.89 | $215.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $33.64 | $269.10 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $40.42 | $323.34 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Essex Junction
Based on $26.89/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $26.89/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Essex Junction, VT can expect to earn approximately $55,930 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $32,267. With a cost-of-living index of 103.50 (above the national average), these earnings may be offset by higher expenses in Essex Junction.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Essex Junction
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,075.58 | $4,661 | $55,930 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $645.35 | $2,796 | $33,558 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $430.23 | $1,864 | $22,372 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Essex Junction) | $26.89 |
| 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 Essex Junction, VT earn a median of $55,934 per year (2026 est.), which is 7.05% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.50% below the Vermont state average of $59,189.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $26.89/hr = $33,558/year (purchasing power: $32,423).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $55,930/year (purchasing power: $54,039).
CoL index: 103.5 (100 = national average).
2019 BLS Actual
$20.69/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$25.90/hr
2026 Current Est.
$26.89/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Essex Junction (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $20.69/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $21.48/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $20.64/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $21.82/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $24.33/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $27.28/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $25.90/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $26.89/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $27.92/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 Essex Junction grew 25.2% from $20.69/hr (2019) to $25.90/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $27.92/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 Essex Junction 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 Essex Junction
The per diem opportunities available for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can significantly impact annual earnings. A technician working a typical 24-hour week might take home around $33,052 annually as a part-timer, compared to a full-time worker, who might command a higher yearly income based on full-time hours. Those engaged in per-diem or traveling assignments often command impressive daily rates, averaging between $80-$150 per day on top of an hourly base of $30-$55. For residential service companies, minimums for service calls range from $90 to $180, while self-employed contractors can see effective rates soar to between $90 and $160 during peak seasons. Additionally, the hourly rates vary widely among employers due to factors such as benefits versus pay structure. Technicians at large data centers may be compensated with less variability than those in residential services, where commission structures can add substantial earnings. Understanding employer frameworks and negotiating an appropriate hourly wage is essential for professionals navigating this market.
More salary data for Essex Junction, VT:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Essex Junction, VT
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Essex Junction, VT
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Essex Junction, VT
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Essex Junction in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Essex Junction?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Essex Junction paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Essex Junction?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Essex Junction?
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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 Essex Junction. 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 Essex Junction 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