Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Roanoke, VA: $23.35 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Roanoke, VA runs $23.35 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $48,556 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Roanoke's regional price level (BEA RPP 93.6, 6% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.94 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $29,140 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
In Roanoke, Virginia, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a median of $23.35. This is significantly below the national median, which is $28.93 per hour. For part-time workers, typically clocking in at 24 hours a week, this translates to approximately $28,931 annually, while full-time mechanics might earn around $48,556 based on a 40-hour work week. The hourly wage ranges from $17.89 at the lower end for entry-level positions to $35.59 for top earners, reflecting varying experience and specialized skills. Common work settings include residential service routes and commercial environments such as building rooftops and mechanical rooms, making this profession adaptable and diverse.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $17.89 | $143.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.98 | $167.86 |
| Median (P50) | $23.35 | $186.79 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $29.15 | $233.22 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $35.59 | $284.72 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Roanoke
Based on $23.35/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $23.35/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Roanoke, VA can expect to earn approximately $48,566 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $28,019. With a cost-of-living index of 93.62 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Roanoke.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Roanoke
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $933.96 | $4,047 | $48,566 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $560.38 | $2,428 | $29,140 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $373.59 | $1,619 | $19,426 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Roanoke) | $23.35 |
| 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 Roanoke, VA earn a median of $48,556 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.31% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 16.70% below the Virginia state average of $58,290.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $23.35/hr = $29,140/year (purchasing power: $31,126).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $48,566/year (purchasing power: $51,877).
CoL index: 93.618 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$18.63/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$22.49/hr
2026 Current Est.
$23.35/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+30.1%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Roanoke (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $18.63/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $22.19/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $22.21/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $22.53/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.67/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $23.82/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $22.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $23.35/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $24.24/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 Roanoke grew 20.7% from $18.63/hr (2019) to $22.49/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $24.24/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 Roanoke 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 Roanoke
For those exploring per-diem roles or agency positions in Roanoke, the dynamic of hourly pay shifts notably. Technicians on out-of-town projects often command base rates between $30 and $55 per hour, supplemented by daily per diem rates of $80 to $150. Residential jobs yield minimum service fees that can range from $90 to $180, adding to the potential earnings for those opting for freelance work. Employer type significantly impacts hourly wages, with residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and data center operations each offering distinct pay structures. While some may prefer the stability of positions that provide health benefits, others might choose higher hourly rates available in contract work. With the introduction of new refrigerants and a focus on heat pump installations due to IRA tax credits, the market offers a unique challenge and opportunity for mechanics. Practical negotiation skills are essential to maximize earnings; being informed about local market rates can empower workers in discussions with employers.
More salary data for Roanoke, VA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Roanoke in 2026?
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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 Roanoke. 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