Introduction
Experiencing a Mississippi summer highlights the need for skilled HVAC technicians. The state's hot and humid climate makes a career in HVAC/R stable and promising.
HVAC technicians in Mississippi benefit from strong union support. The Plumbers, Pipefitters, Steamfitters, Sprinkler Fitters, & Service Technicians union operates in Gulfport, Pascagoula, and Vicksburg, offering benefits like networking, pension plans, and apprenticeships.
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA) also supports HVAC professionals with networking opportunities, industry awards, and training.
With strong union support and ample job opportunities, HVAC is a thriving field in Mississippi.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Mississippi
The future is bright for HVAC technicians in Mississippi. Projections Central (2024) estimates that the state will add approximately 290 HVAC-related positions annually from 2020 to 2030, resulting in an overall industry expansion of 10.6 percent projectionscentral.org.
Several factors drive the growth of the HVAC industry in Mississippi and beyond. New buildings in the state typically include climate control systems that require the expertise of trained technicians for installation. Additionally, evolving regulations in the HVAC industry, particularly those related to energy efficiency, increase the demand for skilled technicians to ensure compliance.
To visualize this rising demand, one can search for job openings in Mississippi. For instance, an online job search for HVAC positions on Monster (April 2024) yielded results from companies such as TEMCO, Inc., Tech24, SDAC, and many more monster.com. Similarly, a search on Indeed (April 2024) found 213 openings with organizations including ABC Management, AirSouth Cooling and Heating, Lennox, Environment Masters, and Service First, Inc. indeed.com.
Schools in Mississippi
Coahoma Community College
3240 Friars Point Rd
Clarksdale, Mississippi 38614
Phone: (662) 627-2571
URL: www.coahomacc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1783
- Total Faculty: 95
Copiah-Lincoln Community College
1001 Co-Lin Lane
Wesson, Mississippi 39191
Phone: (601) 643-5101
URL: www.colin.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2801
- Total Faculty: 161
East Central Community College
15738 Highway 15
Decatur, Mississippi 39327-0129
Phone: (601) 635-2111
URL: www.eccc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2380
- Total Faculty: 166
Hinds Community College
608 Hinds Boulevard
Raymond, Mississippi 39154
Phone: (601) 857-5261
URL: www.hindscc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9407
- Total Faculty: 766
Holmes Community College
#1 Hill St
Goodman, Mississippi 39079
Phone: (662) 472-2312
URL: www.holmescc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4948
- Total Faculty: 360
Itawamba Community College
602 W Hill Street
Fulton, Mississippi 38843-1099
Phone: (662) 862-8000
URL: www.iccms.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4599
- Total Faculty: 281
Jones County Junior College
900 South Court Street
Ellisville, Mississippi 39437
Phone: (601) 477-4000
URL: www.jcjc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4399
- Total Faculty: 151
Mississippi Delta Community College
Hwy 3 and Cherry St
Moorhead, Mississippi 38761
Phone: (662) 246-6322
URL: www.msdelta.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2039
- Total Faculty: 132
Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College
51 Main Street
Perkinston, Mississippi 39573
Phone: (866) 735-1122
URL: www.mgccc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7845
- Total Faculty: 366
Northeast Mississippi Community College
101 Cunningham Blvd
Booneville, Mississippi 38829
Phone: (662) 728-7751
URL: www.nemcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3062
- Total Faculty: 138
Northwest Mississippi Community College
4975 Hwy 51 N
Senatobia, Mississippi 38668-1714
Phone: (662) 562-3200
URL: www.northwestms.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7198
- Total Faculty: 322
Pearl River Community College
101 Hwy 11 N
Poplarville, Mississippi 39470
Phone: (601) 403-1000
URL: www.prcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5462
- Total Faculty: 224
Southwest Mississippi Community College
1156 College Dr
Summit, Mississippi 39666-0000
Phone: (601) 276-2000
URL: www.smcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1807
- Total Faculty: 77
Delta Technical College-Mississippi
6530 Interstate Blvd.
Horn Lake, Mississippi 38637
Phone: (662) 280-1443
URL: www.deltatechnicalcollege.com/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1981
HVAC Worker Salaries in Mississippi
In Mississippi, the 2,890 HVAC professionals earned an average of $47,420, which is below the national average. Here are the detailed salary percentiles for HVAC workers in the US and specifically in Mississippi:
| Percentile | United States | Mississippi |
|---|---|---|
| Annual mean wage | $59,620 | $47,420 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,270 | $31,320 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,550 | $37,320 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57,300 | $45,950 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,120 | $56,450 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,250 | $65,730 |
Salary figures vary slightly according to different data sources. PayScale, an aggregator of self-reported salaries, found the following percentiles among its HVAC respondents nationwide in April 2024:
- 10th percentile: $36,000
- 50th percentile (median): $55,000
- 90th percentile: $83,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Mississippi
Anyone in Mississippi who works with refrigerants must maintain active EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification has four subtypes:
- Type 1 (small appliances)
- Type 2 (high-pressure appliances)
- Type 3 (low-pressure appliances)
- Universal
Both apprenticeship programs and college-based training programs prepare graduates to earn this certification.
Additionally, various national certifications are available for HVAC technicians seeking to enhance their skills. These certifications are offered by organizations such as the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (e.g., Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator), North American Technician Excellence (e.g., Industry Competency Exams or ICE), and HVAC Excellence (e.g., Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus).
To become licensed contractors, HVAC technicians in Mississippi must pass two exams: one on business and law and another on HVAC industry specifics. The Mississippi State Board of Contractors offers a list of companies providing prep courses for these exams.
Applicants must submit a financial statement reviewed by a CPA, proof of worker’s compensation insurance, and liability coverage with a minimum of $300,000 per occurrence and $600,000 aggregate for general liability. The initial license fee is $200, with an additional $50 for any extra classifications.
HVAC licensure in Mississippi can be complex, and some cities may have additional requirements. Aspiring HVAC technicians must thoroughly research licensure requirements to ensure compliance when starting their careers.