Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Laurel, MS: $21.78 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Laurel, MS runs $21.78 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $45,309 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Laurel's regional price level (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national), each hour of work buys what $25.42 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $27,183 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Laurel, Mississippi, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $21.78, significantly lower than the national median of $28.93. This figure reflects the local market's conditions, influencing both part-time and full-time opportunities. Those working three days a week, often on service truck routes or in commercial settings like supermarkets, might find themselves earning between $15.62 to $31.79 per hour, depending on experience and specific roles. Entry-level technicians can start at around the minimum of the hourly range, while seasoned professionals working in specialized environments or for well-known brands can approach the higher end of the scale. The limitations of the local cost of living index, which is below the national average, also play a critical role in shaping salaries for these mechanics in Laurel.
About the Laurel 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) | $15.62 | $125.00 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $17.94 | $143.52 |
| Median (P50) | $21.78 | $174.25 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $26.73 | $213.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $31.79 | $254.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Laurel
Based on $21.78/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $21.78/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Laurel, MS can expect to earn approximately $45,305 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $26,138. With a cost-of-living index of 85.70 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Laurel.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Laurel
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $871.26 | $3,775 | $45,305 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $522.75 | $2,265 | $27,183 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $348.50 | $1,510 | $18,122 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Laurel) | $21.78 |
| 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 Laurel, MS earn a median of $45,309 per year (2026 est.), which is 24.70% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 7.50% below the Mississippi state average of $48,983.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $21.78/hr = $27,183/year (purchasing power: $31,719).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $45,305/year (purchasing power: $52,865).
CoL index: 85.7 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$16.76/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$20.98/hr
2026 Current Est.
$21.78/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Laurel (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $16.76/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $17.40/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $16.72/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $17.67/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $19.70/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $16.77/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $20.98/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $21.78/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $22.61/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 Laurel grew 25.2% from $16.76/hr (2019) to $20.98/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $22.61/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 Laurel 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 Laurel
Looking deeper into the earning landscape, part-time mechanics working a 24-hour week could expect to take home about $26,353 annually, a notable difference compared to full-time technicians who average significantly higher due to longer hours. For per-diem workers and those engaged in out-of-town projects, the financial picture can shift markedly; daily rates can range from $80 to $150 on top of $30 to $55 per hour. Self-employed contractors, especially during peak season, may charge between $90 and $160 per hour, highlighting a flexible earning potential. Hourly pay varies by employer type; residential service companies typically offer steadier work, while commercial contractors might lead to higher pay but require different qualifications and certifications. Many professionals accepting lower hourly rates might do so in exchange for benefits like health insurance, making it essential for workers to negotiate their compensation packages effectively in this competitive field.
More salary data for Laurel, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Laurel in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Laurel?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Laurel paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Laurel?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Laurel?
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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 Laurel. 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 Laurel 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