Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Tupelo, MS: $48,515 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Tupelo, MS earns a median $48,515/year (≈ $23.33/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Tupelo's price level (14% below national, BEA RPP 85.7), that paycheck buys what $56,610 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.0% below the Mississippi state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Tupelo, Mississippi, the compensation landscape for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers reflects a distinct separation between commercial and residential service roles. The projected median annual salary in 2026 reaches $48,515, showcasing a pay range that spans $31,229 at the lower end to $71,960 for those at the higher end of the spectrum. These figures are derived from 2025 BLS data, adjusted for local cost variations. Notably, the median salary sits approximately 19.38% below the national average of $60,174, indicating that while there are ample opportunities, the local market may not be as lucrative as larger metro areas. This disparity illustrates the influence of the local economy and emphasis on different service sectors in Tupelo's job market.
About the Tupelo Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $31,229 | $15.01 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $40,448 | $19.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $48,515 | $23.33 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $59,661 | $28.69 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $71,960 | $34.59 |
Median Salary Position
19.38% below the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Tupelo
In Tupelo, MS, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $40,731 (2026 est.). At $48,515, the local median is 19.38% below the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Tupelo: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Tupelo Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Tupelo median: $48,515/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Tupelo Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Mississippi Average | $49,005 | -1.00% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | -19.38% less |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Tupelo, MS earn a median of $48,515 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.38% lower than the national median of $60,174 and 1.00% below the Mississippi state average of $49,005.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Tupelo has a cost of living 14.30% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Tupelo, MS has a cost-of-living index of 85.7 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $48,515 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $56,610 in an average-cost city — an effective 16.69% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$37,324
2025 BLS Actual
$46,730
2026 Current Est.
$48,515
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Tupelo (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $37,324 | Actual |
| 2020 | $38,749 | Actual |
| 2021 | $37,248 | Actual |
| 2022 | $39,362 | Actual |
| 2023 | $43,888 | Actual |
| 2024 | $37,342 | Actual |
| 2025 | $46,730 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $48,515 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $50,368 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Tupelo metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $37,324 (2019) to $46,730 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $50,368 by 2027 — a total increase of $13,044 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Tupelo 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) | $31,229 – $40,448 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $40,448 – $48,515 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $48,515 – $59,661 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $59,661 – $71,960 |
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 Tupelo
Analyzing Tupelo's employment scene, only seven professionals serve in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration field, suggesting a tight job market yet a potential opportunity for growth with a projected annual growth rate of 3.82%. The region’s cost-of-living index of 85.7 means that while salaries are lower compared to the national landscape, the purchasing power remains relatively decent. Employers that typically offer the best pay include commercial HVAC contractors and large data center operations, which often prioritize specialized skills. Variability in wages arises from several factors including commission structures at residential firms, the increasing emphasis on precision cooling in commercial settings, and the demand for technically trained professionals capable of navigating industry shifts toward heat pumps and new refrigerants. For technicians in Tupelo, embracing continuous education, seeking certifications like EPA 608 or NATE, and diversifying skills can lead to improved pay and job security.
More salary data for Tupelo, MS:
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 $46,730 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Tupelo 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 Tupelo 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