Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Ruston, LA: $54,341 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Ruston, LA earns a median $54,341/year (≈ $26.12/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Ruston's price level (10% below national, BEA RPP 90.3), that paycheck buys what $60,178 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.8% below the Louisiana state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, earning potential for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Ruston, LA, stands at a median annual salary of $54,341, slightly below the national average of $60,174. With a salary range from $37,975 at the lower percentile to $80,184 at the high end, professionals in this field can find diverse compensation structures largely driven by commission-related incentives, particularly in residential service roles. Local estimates derived from state-level BLS data illustrate how market dynamics and cost adjustments influence these salary figures, highlighting the commission spiffs that can significantly boost earnings for those engaged in sales-driven environments. The job market in Ruston reflects a demand for skilled technicians, indicating a steady path for those entering the profession.
About the Ruston Market
Salary estimated from Louisiana average ($52,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $37,975 | $18.26 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $44,026 | $21.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $54,341 | $26.12 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $67,069 | $32.25 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $80,184 | $38.55 |
Median Salary Position
9.69% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Ruston
In Ruston, LA, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $42,209 (2026 est.). At $54,341, the local median is 9.69% below the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Ruston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Ruston Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Ruston median: $54,341/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Ruston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Louisiana Average | $56,488 | -3.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -9.69% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Ruston, LA earn a median of $54,341 per year (2026 est.), which is 9.69% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 3.80% below the Louisiana state average of $56,488.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Ruston has a cost of living 9.70% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Ruston, LA has a cost-of-living index of 90.3 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $54,341 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $60,178 in an average-cost city — an effective 10.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$41,807
2025 BLS Actual
$52,342
2026 Current Est.
$54,341
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Ruston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $41,807 | Actual |
| 2020 | $43,402 | Actual |
| 2021 | $41,721 | Actual |
| 2022 | $44,089 | Actual |
| 2023 | $49,159 | Actual |
| 2024 | $45,154 | Actual |
| 2025 | $52,342 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $54,341 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $56,417 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Ruston metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $41,807 (2019) to $52,342 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $56,417 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,610 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Ruston 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) | $37,975 – $44,026 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $44,026 – $54,341 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $54,341 – $67,069 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $67,069 – $80,184 |
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 Ruston
Despite a relatively modest number of employed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers—just four in the Ruston area—the potential for growth exists within this tight job market. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 90.3, which is below the national average, take-home purchasing power allows for a comfortable lifestyle in the region, although the lower wages may require savvy budgeting. The leading employers in Ruston include residential service companies, such as Carrier and Trane dealers, as well as multi-location franchises like One Hour Heating & Air. The disparity between lower and higher earnings stems from various factors, including specialization in commercial HVAC or data center operations, which typically offer fixed salaries plus overtime. Technicians looking to maximize their pay should consider pursuing additional certifications (like NATE or those specific to specific brands), focusing on specialties like heat pump installations, which align well with current demand trends driven by the Inflation Reduction Act tax credits, and exploring opportunities for residential commissions that can lead to significantly higher earnings for dedicated sales-driven roles.
More salary data for Ruston, LA:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 $52,342 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Ruston 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 Ruston 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