Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Clinton, MS: $65,354 (2026)
Quick Answer:The top tier of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers working in Clinton, MS — those at or above the 90th percentile — pull in $65,354/year or more for 2026, based on BLS OEWS 2025 estimates for SOC 49-9021. Strip back Clinton's price premium (BEA RPP 85.7, 14% below national) and that top-decile pay carries the same buying power as $76,259 in average-cost America. The 45% spread above city median typically rewards 7+ years of practice or specialty credentials.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the top earners among experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Clinton, Mississippi, can expect to command impressive salaries, with the 90th percentile earning as much as $65,354 annually. This figure represents a significant opportunity for skilled professionals looking to maximize their earnings potential within the local market, particularly as it stands in stark contrast to the median salary of $45,043. Achieving this level of compensation often requires a combination of advanced technical expertise, specialized training, and years of hands-on experience. For those aiming for the top heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Clinton, developing niche skills in high-demand areas such as commercial HVAC and refrigeration systems can prove invaluable.
About the Clinton Market
Salary estimated from Mississippi average ($44,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Clinton
Experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers at the top of the pay scale in Clinton earn between $54,905 and $65,354 per year (2026 est.). This $33,483 range from 10th to 90th percentile reflects significant earnings potential growth over a career. The Clinton median of $45,043 sits 25.15% below the US median.
Top HACR Salary Comparison
| Level | Clinton | National |
|---|---|---|
| Median (P50) | $45,043 | $60,174 |
| 75th Percentile | $54,905 | $76,004 |
| 90th Percentile (Top 10%) | $65,354 | $93,905 |
In Clinton, experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (P90) earn 45.09% more than the local median — reflecting the significant value of specialization and tenure in this market.
What Drives Top Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay in Clinton
Advanced Certifications in Mississippi
MS heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers with additional specialty certifications within the hvac field earn significantly above the $45,043 median. Expanded-scope credentials are increasingly valued by Clinton employers.
Specialty Focus
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers focusing on high-acuity or specialty areas within the hvac field in Clinton command premium compensation, often reaching the $54,905–$65,354 range.
Large Health-System & Multi-Site Experience
Large hospital systems and multi-site employers in the Clinton metro area often pay above-market rates for experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers who demonstrate efficiency and leadership.
Employer Loyalty & Patient Relationships
Long-tenured heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Clinton with established relationships have strong negotiating leverage. In this developing market, retention bonuses and annual raises are common for top performers.
Continuing Education & Leadership
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mississippi who pursue advanced degrees, mentor junior staff, or lead clinical education programs position themselves for the highest compensation tiers and management roles.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Career & Wage Growth Path in Clinton
Clinical Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer
0-5 yearsSenior/Lead Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer
5-10 yearsHeating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Department Manager
10+ yearsEducator / Specialty Leadership
AdvancedClinton ranks #20 of 20 Mississippi cities for top earner heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary (90th percentile: $65,354).
Top 10% heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation in Clinton ($65,354) is 13.43% below the Mississippi average P90 ($75,491).
2019 BLS Actual
$51,518
2025 BLS Actual
$62,949
2026 Current Est.
$65,354
2019–2027 Growth
+31.7%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Clinton (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $51,518 | Actual |
| 2020 | $53,435 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,709 | Actual |
| 2022 | $54,632 | Actual |
| 2023 | $55,703 | Actual |
| 2024 | $49,040 | Actual |
| 2025 | $62,949 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $65,354 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $67,850 | Projected |
Top-earning heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (90th percentile) in Clinton saw their compensation grow 22.2% from $51,518 in 2019 to $62,949 in 2025, based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for this metropolitan area. At a 3.82% annual growth rate, senior-level pay is projected to reach $67,850 by 2027, reflecting continued demand for clinical expertise and expanded-function credentials.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Clinton 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.
Maximizing Your Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Earnings in Clinton
Compensation for senior mechanics in Clinton varies based on the type of employer and the specific skills offered. Professionals specializing in commercial or industrial HVAC systems, VRF technology, or precision cooling for data centers often attract higher pay due to the complexity and critical nature of their work. Senior roles at commercial HVAC contractors or within large data center operations can also afford stability and premium pay structures compared to residential service companies. Career advancement in this field can lead to roles such as service manager or controls specialist, where having certifications like NATE or EPA Section 608 can further bolster earning potential. Additionally, technicians may experience non-salary compensation enhancements through commission structures or spiff payments within residential services, reflecting the thriving demand for HVAC services amid rising heat pump installations driven by tax incentives. Understanding these nuances is essential for seasoned professionals aiming to navigate career advancements effectively within the growing HVAC landscape in MS.
More salary data for Clinton, MS:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Clinton in 2026?
What drives higher heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Clinton?
What certifications boost heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Clinton?
Can experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make six figures in Clinton?
How much does heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary increase over time in Clinton?
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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
Top-earner salary figures on this page are 2026 projections derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. BLS reported a 90th percentile salary of $62,949 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in the Clinton metro area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 senior-level compensation. Individual earnings depend on certifications, specialization, practice type, and years of clinical experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Clinton 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