Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Paragould, AR: $46,247 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Paragould, AR earns a median $46,247/year (≈ $22.24/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Paragould's price level (13% below national, BEA RPP 86.9), that paycheck buys what $53,219 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 2.3% below the Arkansas state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Paragould stands at a median of $46,247, representing a significant disparity when compared to the national average of $60,174. Local professionals can expect salaries ranging from $30,105 at the lower end (P10) to $71,683 at the high end (P90). These figures, derived from 2025 BLS data projected to 2026, reflect local market realities and regional cost adjustments. Within Paragould’s job market, the divide between commercial and residential service often shapes pay structures. As industries grow, understanding these salary dynamics becomes crucial for those looking to establish or advance their careers in the HVAC sector.
About the Paragould Market
Salary estimated from Arkansas average ($46,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30,105 | $14.47 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $37,777 | $18.16 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $46,247 | $22.24 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $58,847 | $28.29 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,683 | $34.46 |
Median Salary Position
23.14% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Paragould
In Paragould, AR, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $41,578 (2026 est.). At $46,247, the local median is 23.14% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Paragould: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Paragould Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Paragould median: $46,247/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Paragould Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Arkansas Average | $47,335 | -2.30% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -23.14% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Paragould, AR earn a median of $46,247 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.14% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 2.30% below the Arkansas state average of $47,335.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Paragould has a cost of living 13.10% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Paragould, AR has a cost-of-living index of 86.9 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $46,247 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $53,219 in an average-cost city — an effective 15.08% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$35,579
2025 BLS Actual
$44,545
2026 Current Est.
$46,247
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Paragould (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $35,579 | Actual |
| 2020 | $36,937 | Actual |
| 2021 | $35,506 | Actual |
| 2022 | $37,521 | Actual |
| 2023 | $41,836 | Actual |
| 2024 | $39,049 | Actual |
| 2025 | $44,545 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $46,247 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $48,013 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Paragould metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $35,579 (2019) to $44,545 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,013 by 2027 — a total increase of $12,434 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Paragould 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $30,105 – $37,777 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $37,777 – $46,247 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $46,247 – $58,847 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $58,847 – $71,683 |
HACR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Job Market in Paragould
Currently, there are only seven heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers actively employed in Paragould, emphasizing the relatively niche market within the region. The cost of living index here is at 86.9, which indicates that living expenses are lower than the national average. This factor positively impacts the employees' purchasing power despite the lower salary rates. Among local employers, those affiliated with commercial HVAC operations or large data centers tend to offer the highest wages due to the specialized skill sets required. Factors contributing to the variance in pay include the intricacies of residential commission structures, the need for specific certifications like NATE and EPA Section 608, and the demand for specialized skills in emerging areas such as heat pump installation tied to recent tax incentives. To maximize earning potential, professionals in Paragould should seek ongoing training, secure necessary certifications, and stay informed about market demands that could elevate their pay scales.
More salary data for Paragould, AR:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Paragould?
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $44,545 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Paragould metropolitan area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Paragould 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