Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Hernando, MS: $22.18 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Hernando, MS runs $22.18 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $46,119 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Hernando's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.88 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,676 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In Hernando, Mississippi, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected to be $22.18 in 2026. This figure is notably lower than the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting the local market's specifics. For part-time workers, such as those on a three-day-a-week schedule, this hourly wage translates to an annual take-home income that varies based on hours worked and specific job environments, including residential service truck routes or commercial HVAC contracts. The hourly range for these professionals in Hernando stretches from $14.59 for entry-level positions to $33.14 for seasoned experts, allowing for a diverse earning potential across various roles, such as those in data center HVAC operations or self-employed contracting.
About the Hernando Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) 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) | $14.59 | $116.69 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $18.24 | $145.93 |
| Median (P50) | $22.18 | $177.41 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $27.63 | $221.01 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $33.14 | $265.11 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Hernando
Based on $22.18/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $22.18/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Hernando, MS can expect to earn approximately $46,126 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,611. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Hernando.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Hernando
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $887.04 | $3,844 | $46,126 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $532.22 | $2,306 | $27,676 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $354.82 | $1,538 | $18,450 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Hernando) | $22.18 |
| 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 Hernando, MS earn a median of $46,119 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.36% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 5.90% below the Mississippi state average of $49,011.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $22.18/hr = $27,676/year (purchasing power: $32,294).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $46,126/year (purchasing power: $53,823).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$17.06/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$21.36/hr
2026 Current Est.
$22.18/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Hernando (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $17.06/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.71/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $17.03/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.99/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $20.06/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $17.07/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $21.36/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $22.18/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $23.02/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 Hernando grew 25.2% from $17.06/hr (2019) to $21.36/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $23.02/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 Hernando 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 Hernando
Examining part-time earning potential reveals interesting dynamics. A mechanic working 24 hours a week would earn about $27,080 annually, which greatly contrasts with full-time counterparts who could secure significantly more. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Hernando can also shift earnings considerably. Travel technicians often receive daily rates between $80 and $150 on top of a base hourly wage that ranges from $30 to $55, particularly when tackling larger commercial projects. Similarly, residential service calls typically start around $90 to $180, allowing for lucrative per-diem opportunities. Differences in compensation can also arise based on employer type, such as large commercial contractors or specialized refrigeration firms. While some choose higher hourly wages without benefits, others accept lower rates for health coverage. Negotiating effectively involves understanding local market conditions, highlighting specific skills, and being aware of opportunities that align with industry certifications like those from EPA Section 608, ensuring that professionals maximize their earnings and career growth in Hernando, MS.
More salary data for Hernando, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hernando in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Hernando?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Hernando paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Hernando?
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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 Hernando. 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 Hernando 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