Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Oxford, MS: $32,418 (2026)
Quick Answer:New heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers entering the Oxford, MS job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $32,418 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 49-9021, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Oxford's local price level (BEA RPP 85.7 — 14% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $37,827 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($46,740) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
For those entering the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field in Oxford, Mississippi, the starting salary can be quite competitive for new graduates. With entry-level positions offering around $32,418, it presents a gap when compared to the city median of $46,740. New grads can realistically expect to progress from this initial pay to approximately $37,879 within the first few years, ultimately aiming for the median as they gain experience and build their skillset. Given the growing demand for HVAC services, particularly with the recent emphasis on energy efficiency and the aging workforce, Oxford appears to be a favorable market for new entrants looking to carve out a career in this essential industry.
About the Oxford Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Oxford
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 Oxford
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Oxford, MS typically start between $32,418 and $37,879 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $37,939 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $46,740 — 22.33% below the national median.
Return on Investment
The average hvac program cost in Mississippi of $6,000 represents just 18.51% of the starting heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ($32,418/year) in Oxford. 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 Oxford
- 1Research the Oxford market: entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay ranges from $32,418 to $37,879, 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 Oxford, 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 Oxford for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Oxford'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 Oxford is $37,939 ( 117.03%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $32,418, experienced hygienists can earn up to $70,357.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$23,865
2025 BLS Actual
$31,225
2026 Current Est.
$32,418
2019–2027 Growth
+41.0%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Oxford (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $23,865 | Actual |
| 2020 | $24,879 | Actual |
| 2021 | $26,758 | Actual |
| 2022 | $28,200 | Actual |
| 2023 | $29,058 | Actual |
| 2024 | $24,869 | Actual |
| 2025 | $31,225 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $32,418 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $33,656 | Projected |
Entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation (10th percentile) in Oxford, MS grew 30.8% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $23,865 in 2019 to $31,225 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $33,656. New graduates entering the Oxford job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Oxford 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 Oxford
When seeking employment, new graduates will likely find opportunities with various types of employers in Oxford. Local residential service companies such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists often provide structured training and routes to earn commissions, which can significantly enhance earnings over time. Candidates with the right credentials, such as an EPA Section 608 certification or a completion of a trade school program, will have a leg up in negotiations for higher starting pay. Companies focused on commercial and industrial sectors may require greater experience, but will typically offer more stable salaries with overtime potential. The market's focus on heat pump installation, compounded by available IRA tax credits, further drives demand for technicians. It's crucial for new HVAC technicians to strategize their early career choices carefully, as those who excel in this competitive landscape can see their eventual salaries reflect the high demands of their role, with growth potential soaring beyond the initial starting figures.
More salary data for Oxford, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Oxford in 2026?
How fast do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries grow in Oxford?
Is hvac school worth it in Oxford?
What do new heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make right out of school in Oxford?
How do I become a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Mississippi?
Related Pages
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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 Oxford. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Oxford is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
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