HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Alexandria, LA: $46,682 (2026)

Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Alexandria, LA earns a median $46,682/year (β‰ˆ $22.44/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 β€” projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Alexandria's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $54,480 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 17.4% below the Louisiana state average.

$46,682
Median Annual Salary
$22.44/hr
Median Hourly Rate
$32,982
Entry Level (P10)
$72,611
Top Earners (P90)

Official BLS data Β· View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Alexandria, LA β€” 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Alexandria, LA heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Alexandria, Louisiana, aspiring heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can anticipate a median annual salary of $46,682 in 2026, which is significantly lower than the national median of $60,174. This local salary range spans from approximately $32,982 at the 10th percentile to $72,611 at the 90th percentile. Data derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) indicates that developments in the heat pump market, spurred by the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, are reshaping hiring practices in this sector. Such incentives are driving an increased demand for skilled technicians, highlighting the importance of specialized training and certifications like EPA Section 608 and NATE for those entering the field.

Salary Breakdown

PercentileAnnualHourly
Entry Level (P10)$32,982$15.86
Lower Range (P25)$40,320$19.39
Median (P50)(typical)$46,682$22.44
Upper Range (P75)$58,921$28.32
Top Earners (P90)$72,611$34.90

Median Salary Position

$32,982$72,611
City Median: $46,682
National: $60,174
P10–P90 Range

22.42% below the national average

2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Alexandria

Vertical bar chart of 10th through 90th percentile salaries for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers in Alexandria. The median salary is $46,682, compared to the national median of $60,174.$29.7K$41.3K$53.0K$64.6K$76.2K$33.0K10th Pctl$40.3K25th Pctl$46.7KMedian$58.9K75th Pctl$72.6K90th PctlUS Median$60.2K

In Alexandria, LA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $39,629 (2026 est.). At $46,682, the local median is 22.42% below the national median of $60,174.

Source: BLS OEWS projected to 2026. Percentiles reflect the distribution of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the Alexandria metro area.

Salary Calculator

8 hrs (1 day)24 hrs (3 days)40 hrs (full-time)
$897
per week
$3,889
per month
$46,666
per year

At 40 hours/week in Alexandria: You'd be in the lower-middle range

How Alexandria Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares

Alexandria median: $46,682/year (2026)

Compared ToMedian SalaryAlexandria Pays
Louisiana Average$56,515-17.40% less
National Average$60,174-22.42% less
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Alexandria ($46,682) with Louisiana average ($56,515) and the US national median ($60,174).Alexandria$46,682Louisiana Avg$56,515-17.40%US National$60,174-22.42%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Alexandria, LA earn a median of $46,682 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.42% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 17.40% below the Louisiana state average of $56,515.

Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary

$46,682
Nominal Salary
85.686
CoL Index
$54,480
Adjusted Salary

Alexandria has a cost of living 14.31% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.

Adjusted salary = nominal Γ— (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.

The nominal salary is $46,682. After adjusting for a cost-of-living index of 85.686, the purchasing-power equivalent is $54,480, a gain of $7,798.$39.7K$47.1K$54.4K$61.8K$69.2K$46,682NominalSalary$54,480CoL Adjusted(CoL: 85.686)β–² 16.70%US Median $60.2K

Alexandria, LA has a cost-of-living index of 85.686 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $46,682 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $54,480 in an average-cost city β€” an effective 16.7% boost.

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2019 BLS Actual

$48,640

2025 BLS Actual

$44,964

2026 Current Est.

$46,682

2019–2027 Growth

+-0.4%

Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Alexandria (2019–2027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Salary trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Alexandria. Baseline $48,640 in 2025, projected to $48,465 by 2027.$43.5K$45.0K$46.6K$48.1K$49.6K2019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$48.6K$48.8K$44.4K$46.4K$47.2K$48.2K$45.0K$46.7K$48.5K
YearAnnual SalaryStatus
2019$48,640Actual
2020$48,760Actual
2021$44,370Actual
2022$46,350Actual
2023$47,200Actual
2024$48,170Actual
2025$44,964Actual
2026(current)$46,682Estimated
2027$48,465Projected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Alexandria metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew -7.6% from $48,640 (2019) to $44,964 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $48,465 by 2027 β€” a total increase of $-175 (-0.36%) from 2019.

Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Alexandria 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

ExperienceEstimated Salary Range
0-2 years (New Graduate)$32,982 – $40,320
3-5 years (Mid Career)$40,320 – $46,682
5+ years (Experienced)$46,682 – $58,921
10+ years (Top Earner)$58,921 – $72,611

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 Alexandria

With 190 professionals currently employed as heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Alexandria, the job market reflects the area's growing need for HVAC services. The local cost of living, indexed at 85.686, offers technicians a degree of purchasing power that can ease financial pressures compared to larger markets. Local employers, including residential service companies and commercial HVAC contractors, vary in pay, influenced by factors such as specialization and commission structures. For instance, those working in residential service often see variable income based on performance, with top earners reaching into the $80k-$130k rangeβ€”all while navigating a competitive landscape. To maximize earning potential in Alexandria, technicians should focus on continuous training to obtain crucial certifications and consider transitioning to roles that require specialized knowledge in emerging refrigerants or commercial HVAC systems.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Alexandria, LA in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Alexandria is $46,682/year ($22.44/hour), based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Salaries range from $32,982 at entry level (10th percentile) to $72,611 for experienced top earners (90th percentile). This puts Alexandria at 22.4% below the national median. Full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers typically work 2,080 hours per year, though many positions offer part-time schedules with flexible hours across multiple practices.

Is Alexandria, LA a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?

Alexandria heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries are 22.4% below the national average and 17.4% below the Louisiana state average. The metro area employs approximately 190 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers. With a cost-of-living index of 85.686, your salary stretches further here than in higher-cost metros. Job availability depends on population density, the number of practices, and retirement turnover in the area.

Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Alexandria?

The median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Alexandria is $46,682, and the 90th percentile earns $72,611. Reaching $100K in this market typically requires a combination of advanced certifications, working at multiple practices, or transitioning into education or consulting roles.

What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Alexandria?

After adjusting for Alexandria's cost-of-living index of 85.686 (where 100 equals the national average), the $46,682 nominal salary has purchasing power equivalent to $54,480 in an average-cost city. This means your dollar goes 16.7% further in Alexandria compared to the national average, making it an attractive location for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers seeking strong real wages.

How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Alexandria?

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Alexandria earn a median hourly rate of $22.44, which translates to approximately $46,682/year for full-time work (40 hours/week, 2,080 hours/year). Hourly rates range from $15.86 for entry-level positions to $34.90 for the most experienced practitioners. Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers sometimes command premium hourly rates because practices need flexible scheduling coverage.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

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 $44,964 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Alexandria 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

Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.

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. Β· View source data at BLS.gov

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