Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Parkersburg, WV: $21.63 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Parkersburg, WV runs $21.63 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $44,975 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Parkersburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 87.1, 13% below national), each hour of work buys what $24.84 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $26,989 per year.
Official BLS data · View source
Hourly compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Parkersburg, West Virginia, stands at a median rate of $21.63. This is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $28.93, reflecting regional market conditions and cost of living factors. For those working part-time, perhaps three days a week, the earnings can sum up to approximately $26,500 annually, while full-time workers have the potential for higher income depending on hours worked and commission structures typical in the residential service industry. For entry-level mechanics, the hourly pay could start around $15.92, while seasoned professionals can earn up to $28.87 per hour, according to official Bureau of Labor Statistics data. This range highlights the diverse earning potential dictated by experience and specialization in various settings, such as residential service, commercial HVAC, and refrigeration installations.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $15.92 | $127.32 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.25 | $146.01 |
| Median (P50) | $21.63 | $173.01 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $23.54 | $188.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $28.87 | $230.98 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Parkersburg
Based on $21.63/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.63/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Parkersburg, WV can expect to earn approximately $44,981 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $25,951. With a cost-of-living index of 87.07 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Parkersburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Parkersburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $865.03 | $3,748 | $44,981 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $519.02 | $2,249 | $26,989 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $346.01 | $1,499 | $17,993 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Parkersburg) | $21.63 |
| 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 Parkersburg, WV earn a median of $44,975 per year (2026 est.), which is 25.26% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.70% below the West Virginia state average of $48,205.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.63/hr = $26,989/year (purchasing power: $30,998).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $44,981/year (purchasing power: $51,664).
CoL index: 87.066 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.59/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.83/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.63/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+35.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Parkersburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.59/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.63/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $18.02/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.57/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $17.72/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $18.75/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.83/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.63/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.45/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 Parkersburg grew 25.6% from $16.59/hr (2019) to $20.83/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.45/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 Parkersburg 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 Parkersburg
Part-time technicians can benefit from flexible schedules, but their annual income pales in comparison to full-time counterparts. For instance, with a 3-day workweek totaling around 24 hours, a technician's annual take-home might not surpass $26,500, especially without overtime or commission-enhanced pay. Interestingly, those in per diem roles or agency positions might see different earnings dynamics; they could earn between $80 and $150 daily on top of base hourly rates ranging from $30 to $55 for out-of-town commercial projects. In Parkersburg, various employment avenues present different compensation structures. Residential service companies may pay lower hourly rates but often include benefits like health insurance, while specialized contractors and commercial roles may offer higher pay but fewer perks. Those negotiating their hourly rates here should consider both total compensation and the trade-offs in benefits that impact overall job satisfaction and financial health in the HVAC sector.
More salary data for Parkersburg, WV:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Parkersburg in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Parkersburg?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Parkersburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Parkersburg?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Parkersburg?
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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 Parkersburg. 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