Hot, extremely humid summers, mild winters, and storm-season disruption keep cooling systems under steady year-round load across Louisiana. Average pay sits at $56,880/year with 5,380 HVAC techs employed across Houma, Baton Rouge, and New Orleans.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$36,950
entry-level
25th Pct
$44,980
early career
Median
$58,650
typical wage
75th Pct
$65,990
experienced
90th Pct
$78,210
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC)
License type: Mechanical Work Contractor (statewide) with HVAC subclassification
Threshold or scope: $10,000+ commercial / $7,500+ residential / $50,000+ commercial new construction
Continuing education: None at state level
Key details: Two exams: trade ($120, 100 questions, 70%) + business/law. $10k net worth or bond/LOC. $100k GL minimum.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
5
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
636
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
5,380
SOC 49-9021
11.73¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#4 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
2A
Hot-Humid
extreme_cooling
Louisiana sits in a Hot-Humid climate zone where extreme summer heat drives the HVAC market statewide. Cooling demand dominates the trade — AC service, refrigerant work, and high-efficiency system installations make up the bulk of HVAC technician work, with peak season running from May through September.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Louisiana earn a mean annual wage of $56,880, about 12.2% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $36,950, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $78,210. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Louisiana are New Orleans with about 1,280 HVAC mechanics, Baton Rouge with about 1,180 HVAC mechanics, and Shreveport with about 500 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Louisiana are South Louisiana Community College, SOWELA Technical Community College, and Baton Rouge Community College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
