Gulfport vs Hattiesburg: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Gulfport, MS and Hattiesburg, MS. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Gulfport, MS | Hattiesburg, MS |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $47,569▲ | $45,952 |
| Hourly Rate | $22.87▲ | $22.09 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $35,763 | $36,631▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $40,043▲ | $39,008 |
| 75th Percentile | $59,809▲ | $57,136 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $73,667▲ | $70,737 |
| Total Employed | 330▲ | 100 |
Verdict
Gulfport, MS offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Hattiesburg.
The salary gap between Gulfport and Hattiesburg is $1,617 (3.52%). Gulfport's median is -20.95% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Gulfport spans $37,904,Hattiesburg spans $34,106. Gulfport has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Gulfport ($52,851 effective) pays 0.79% more than Hattiesburg ($52,437 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Gulfport if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($47,569/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($73,667)
- ✓Larger job market (330 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $52,851)
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Choose Hattiesburg if…
- ✓You prefer the Mississippi area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Gulfport grew 21.5% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 24.6% growth in Hattiesburg over the same period.
Gulfport, MS
$37,700 (2019) → $45,819 (2025)
Hattiesburg, MS
$35,510 (2019) → $44,261 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Gulfport, MS
Hattiesburg, MS
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Gulfport or Hattiesburg?
What is the hourly rate difference between Gulfport and Hattiesburg?
Should I relocate from Gulfport to Hattiesburg as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Gulfport vs Hattiesburg?
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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
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