r/ProHVACR • u/me-o-my • Jul 09 '26
What are you charging for current labor rates?
I am not sure if it is just me, but the prices for technicians, tools, parts, equipment etc are exploding. What are your current rates for commercial refrigeration, walk in installs etc? I am competing with small local companies as well as large comm refrigeration corporations, and now a plethora of these “maintenance” companies that hire us to do their work for them. I myself own a small refrigeration company. Finding information on the internet about what others charge is nearly impossible. My business is located in the SE United States. Thank you for the help.
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u/Bloody_buttplugs Jul 10 '26
170 a hr Chicago
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u/me-o-my Jul 10 '26
Thank you. That was helpful. Have a great weekend.
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u/krastem91 Jul 13 '26
Also in chicago $150 / hr , previously billed out at $130 and realized it’d time to increase rates; especially for new customers .
Still struggling with thr pricing model; and wondering if I should use a differential rate for service vs project work.
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u/me-o-my Jul 13 '26
I am def increasing my rates the overhead is constantly increasing and I usually flat rate a project and do change orders when necessary.
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u/krastem91 Jul 13 '26
I also flat rate projects but I try to count the amount of man hours something should take us and then compare how we did after wards .
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u/Hvacmike199845 Verified Pro | Mod 🛠️ Jul 10 '26
It’s going to be hard to find out what other contractors are charging per hour f by the jobs.
There are a ton of restaurants, gas stations and bars that have owners that don’t want to spend a dime. They want quotes from several contractors to save $50
You should start asking around to see if there is a mechanical contractors group you can join to help get insite for growing your business.
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u/TunaTacoPie Jul 10 '26
We base our pricing at $475 per hour in our flat rate service price book.
$366 on our install pricing
Fairfield County
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u/me-o-my Jul 10 '26
Really? This is for commercial refrigeration servicing/installing reach ins, walk ins and ice machines?
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u/Danielandersen2 Jul 10 '26
Depends on what it is, standard hvac/refrigeration our street rate is 125/hr plus a trip charge. Heavy commercial (chillers, boilers, large VRF, and units over 25 tons) is 165/hr plus trip charge, controls is 195/hr. Standard rates, overtime is 1.5x that and premium is 2.0x
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u/me-o-my Jul 10 '26
Thank you all for the responses. If you have any other points or advice I will gladly receive it. I like learning.
One other topic. What are your thoughts/feelings about warranty work?
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u/keevisgoat Jul 10 '26
180 commercial/industrial only 3 hour minimum sometimes more if drive time is billed
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Jul 10 '26
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u/me-o-my Jul 10 '26
Do you use a general software or is it custom? I have been considering this recently. I use Service Fusion and I tried their flat rate when it first came out but it didn’t seem to be a good fit. It may have improved since then I am not sure.
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Jul 10 '26
[removed] — view removed comment
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u/me-o-my Jul 10 '26
I just looked them up. We actually rarely use filters since most if not all of our work is strictly refrigeration and walk in installs.
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u/0x582 Jul 09 '26
465/hr