Long, humid summers and short, mild winters keep cooling systems under steady year-round load across Mississippi. Average pay sits at $53,020/year with 2,700 HVAC techs employed across Jackson, Gulfport, and Hattiesburg.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$36,160
entry-level
25th Pct
$39,630
early career
Median
$48,680
typical wage
75th Pct
$61,390
experienced
90th Pct
$76,240
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: Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC)
License type: Commercial Certificate of Responsibility (Mechanical specialty) OR Residential Builder/Remodeler
Threshold or scope: $50,000+ commercial / $50,000+ new residential / $10,000+ residential remodel
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with MSBOC
Key details: CPA-prepared financial statement required. Min $10,000 net worth proportional to limit. NASCLA accepted for commercial general.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
3
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
440
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
2,700
SOC 49-9021
13.39¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#15 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
3A
Warm-Humid
cooling_dominant
Mississippi has a Warm-Humid climate where cooling demand defines the HVAC market. Summer is peak season for AC repair and condenser work, with moderate but real winter heating demand on heat pumps and furnaces across most of the state.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Mississippi earn a mean annual wage of $53,020, about 18.2% below the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $36,160, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $76,240. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Mississippi are Jackson with about 770 HVAC mechanics, Gulfport with about 330 HVAC mechanics, and Hattiesburg with about 100 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Mississippi are Southwest Mississippi Community College, Northwest Mississippi Community College, and Mississippi Gulf Coast 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.
