Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Sulphur, LA: $25.12 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Sulphur, LA runs $25.12 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $52,255 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Sulphur's regional price level (BEA RPP 90.3, 10% below national), each hour of work buys what $27.82 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $31,355 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Sulphur, Louisiana, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $25.12 in 2026. This is slightly below the national hourly median of $28.93, indicating a regional variance in compensation. This rate holds significant implications for part-time employees working three days a week. For those operating in residential environments—such as service truck routes and commercial building installations—this hourly wage translates to a reliable income while accommodating flexible schedules. Entry-level technicians may earn approximately $18.01 per hour, while top earners in the field can make up to $36.71 per hour. Understanding these figures is crucial for aspiring professionals in Sulphur, as they seek employment in diverse settings, from supermarkets with refrigeration needs to data centers requiring precision cooling.
About the Sulphur 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) | $18.01 | $144.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $20.69 | $165.53 |
| Median (P50) | $25.12 | $201.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $30.78 | $246.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $36.71 | $293.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Sulphur
Based on $25.12/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $25.12/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Sulphur, LA can expect to earn approximately $52,259 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $30,149. With a cost-of-living index of 90.30 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Sulphur.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Sulphur
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,004.98 | $4,355 | $52,259 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $602.99 | $2,613 | $31,355 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $401.99 | $1,742 | $20,904 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Sulphur) | $25.12 |
| 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 Sulphur, LA earn a median of $52,255 per year (2026 est.), which is 13.16% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.50% below the Louisiana state average of $56,492.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $25.12/hr = $31,355/year (purchasing power: $34,723).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $52,259/year (purchasing power: $57,872).
CoL index: 90.3 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$19.33/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$24.20/hr
2026 Current Est.
$25.12/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Sulphur (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $19.33/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $20.07/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $19.29/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $20.38/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $22.73/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $20.88/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $24.20/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $25.12/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $26.08/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 Sulphur grew 25.2% from $19.33/hr (2019) to $24.20/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $26.08/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 Sulphur 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 Sulphur
Part-time workers at this hourly rate can expect to earn around $31,984 annually for a 3-day workweek, substantially lower than their full-time counterparts. However, opportunities for per diem positions offer a chance to increase earnings significantly. Per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Sulphur can earn between $80 and $150 daily in addition to hourly rates ranging from $30 to $55 on out-of-town projects. Self-employed contractors and those in high-cost areas may realize effective rates of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. Compensation tends to fluctuate based on employer types, where residential service companies may provide a structured commission model, enabling motivated technicians to reach higher earnings. While some professionals may opt for lower pay for the benefits associated with full-time employment, others may prefer the flexibility and potential for higher earnings as self-employed workers. Negotiation is key in ensuring fair compensation, particularly in this evolving market driven by demand for heat pump installations and emerging refrigerants, making the HVAC field in Sulphur a dynamic and promising option.
More salary data for Sulphur, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Sulphur in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Sulphur?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Sulphur paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Sulphur?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Sulphur?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Louisiana
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 Sulphur. 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 Sulphur 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