Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Gulfport, MS: $35,763 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Gulfport, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $35,763 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Gulfport's local price level (BEA RPP 90.0 — 10% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $39,734 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($47,569) within a few years of clinical practice.
Official BLS data · View source
In Gulfport, Mississippi, those entering the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field can expect an entry-level salary of approximately $35,763 in 2026. This figure represents a starting point that sits significantly below the city's median annual salary of $47,569, indicating a gap that early-career professionals will need to navigate in their initial years. Graduates can anticipate a gradual increase in wages as they gain experience, with potential earnings advancing to around $40,043 as they reach the 25th percentile. Given the area's projected growth rate of 3.82%, Gulfport appears to offer a viable job market for new HVAC graduates with a focus on residential services and a rising demand driven by heat pump installations and tax incentives like the IRA credits.
Career Earnings Timeline in Gulfport
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Gulfport
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Gulfport, MS typically start between $35,763 and $40,043 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,904 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $47,569 — 20.95% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Mississippi of $6,000 represents just 16.78% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($35,763/year) in Gulfport. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates based on HVAC Excellence and PAHRA-accredited programs and industry-recognized NATE certification prep. Costs include tuition, tools, EPA 608 certification, and related credentials. Apprenticeship pathways available at lower cost.
HACR Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Gulfport
- 1Research the Gulfport market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $35,763 to $40,043, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the hvac field — employers in MS often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Gulfport, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Gulfport for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Gulfport's below-average cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Compensation Range
The heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer wage spread in Gulfport is $37,904 ( 105.99%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $35,763, experienced hygienists can earn up to $73,667.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,410
2025 BLS Actual
$34,447
2026 Current Est.
$35,763
2019–2027 Growth
+58.6%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Gulfport (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,410 | Actual |
| 2020 | $29,310 | Actual |
| 2021 | $31,110 | Actual |
| 2022 | $30,430 | Actual |
| 2023 | $30,910 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,030 | Actual |
| 2025 | $34,447 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35,763 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $37,129 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Gulfport, MS grew 47.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,410 in 2019 to $34,447 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $37,129. New graduates entering the Gulfport job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Gulfport 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.
Starting Your hvac Career in Gulfport
Employers within Gulfport that are likely to hire freshly minted professionals include residential service companies, such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists, which focus on hands-on training and performance-based compensation. For those looking to enhance their starting salaries, obtaining certifications like the EPA Section 608 Universal certification and NATE credentials can be beneficial, offering a competitive edge over peers. Additionally, pursuing training with prominent brands can further boost marketability. Career strategies for the first few years typically involve working in residential settings, where high commission structures may push earnings significantly higher in busy markets. Conversely, a salaried role in a commercial or data center environment tends to provide more stable income, making it crucial for entry-level workers to consider their long-term trajectories carefully. With the demand for skilled technicians growing and an aging workforce, Gulfport's HVAC market offers promising opportunities for those willing to develop their skills and credentials.
More salary data for Gulfport, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Gulfport in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Gulfport?
Is hvac school worth it in Gulfport?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Gulfport?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Mississippi?
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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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new hvac graduates. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Gulfport. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
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