Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Natchitoches, LA: $25.38 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Natchitoches, LA runs $25.38 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,807 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Natchitoches's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $28.11 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,679 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Natchitoches, Louisiana, the projected hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers is $25.38, which is notably lower than the national median hourly rate of $28.93. This disparity can affect workers in various roles, whether they are part-time employees on a 3-day work schedule or taking on per-diem assignments. For instance, mechanics working part-time might find that consistent hours yield a stable income, while those on per-diem assignments can enhance their earnings through diverse job settings like residential service routes or commercial installations. The hourly range for this profession in Natchitoches varies significantly, with entry-level positions starting around $18.54 and top earners reaching up to $37.60, reflecting the complexity of the HVAC trade and the skill sets of those in the field.
About the Natchitoches Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $18.54 | $148.34 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $21.23 | $169.85 |
| Median (P50) | $25.38 | $203.07 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.48 | $243.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $37.60 | $300.83 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Natchitoches
Based on $25.38/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.38/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Natchitoches, LA can expect to earn approximately $52,799 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,461. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Natchitoches.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Natchitoches
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,015.36 | $4,400 | $52,799 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $609.22 | $2,640 | $31,679 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $406.14 | $1,760 | $21,119 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Natchitoches) | $25.38 |
| 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 Natchitoches, LA earn a median of $52,807 per year (2026 est.), which is 12.24% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 6.60% below the Louisiana state average of $56,539.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.38/hr = $31,679/year (purchasing power: $35,082).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,799/year (purchasing power: $58,470).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.53/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.45/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.38/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Natchitoches (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.53/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.27/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.49/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.59/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.96/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $21.10/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.45/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.38/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.35/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 Natchitoches grew 25.2% from $19.53/hr (2019) to $24.45/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.35/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 Natchitoches 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 Natchitoches
Part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers who work a 24-hour week can expect to take home approximately $19,321 annually, which highlights the financial trade-offs compared to full-time employment. Workers taking on per-diem roles can enjoy daily earnings between $80 and $150, supplemented by their hourly base rates that typically range from $30 to $55 per hour for larger projects. Residential service call minimums further demonstrate the potential for increased earnings, with typical charges falling between $90 and $180. Employers across Natchitoches, like commercial HVAC contractors and self-employed technicians, provide varied compensation structures influenced by factors such as job complexity and benefits offered. While some may opt for lower hourly rates in exchange for health insurance, others in the field navigate negotiations to secure better compensation without benefits. As the HVAC market evolves due to emerging technologies and increased demand for heat pump systems, understanding these dynamics can empower mechanics to maximize their hourly pay strategies effectively.
More salary data for Natchitoches, LA:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Natchitoches, LA
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Natchitoches, LA
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Natchitoches, LA
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Natchitoches in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Natchitoches?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Natchitoches paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Natchitoches?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Natchitoches?
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
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 Natchitoches. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Natchitoches 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