HVAC Technician in Greenville, MS

The Salary Picture: Where Greenville Stands

As a local who’s watched the HVAC trade evolve in the Mississippi Delta, I can tell you this: Greenville isn't a high-volume market like Jackson, but it's a steady, reliable one. The demand is constant because of the climate—hot, humid summers and cold snaps in the winter. You're not competing with thousands of other techs, but you're also not getting the premium rates you might find in a bustling metro.

Here’s a direct look at the numbers, compared to the state and national landscape.

Median Salary: $52,997/year
Hourly Rate: $25.48/hour
National Average: $55,670/year
Jobs in Metro: 57
10-Year Job Growth: 6%

Greenville’s median salary sits slightly below the national average, which is typical for rural Mississippi. The $52,997 figure is a solid mid-point. The 6% job growth over the next decade is promising; it’s slower than the national average but positive, indicating that while the market isn't exploding, it's not declining either. With only 57 jobs in the metro at any given time, this is a market where reputation and relationships are everything. You're known quickly, for better or worse.

Experience-Level Breakdown

Salaries here are heavily weighted by experience and who you work for. A tech with 10 years under their belt, especially one with commercial refrigeration skills, will command a significantly higher rate than a fresh apprentice.

Experience Level	Typical Years	Estimated Annual Salary	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level	0-2	$38,000 - $45,000	$18.27 - $21.63
Mid-Level	3-7	$48,000 - $60,000	$23.08 - $28.85
Senior	8-15	$62,000 - $75,000	$29.81 - $36.06
Expert/Lead	15+	$75,000+	$36.06+

Note: These are estimates based on local market conditions. The median of $52,997 aligns with a seasoned mid-level technician.

Comparison to Other Mississippi Cities

Greenville is a mid-sized market in a state with relatively low cost of living. Here’s how it stacks up against larger and smaller MS cities:

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Key Difference
Greenville	$52,997	84.0	Steady Delta market, lower competition.
Jackson	~$56,000	~85.0	More commercial/industrial work, slightly higher pay.
Gulfport/Biloxi	~$54,000	~88.0	High humidity/equipment wear, tourist-driven demand.
Hattiesburg	~$51,000	~82.0	Similar to Greenville, college town dynamics.

Greenville offers a unique balance. You’re not in the highest-paying city, but you’re also not in the most expensive. The Cost of Living Index of 84.0 means your dollar stretches further here than it does in Jackson or the Coast.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get practical. A salary of $52,997 looks different once Mississippi’s state income tax (which has a bracketed system) and federal taxes come out. For a single filer with no dependents, you can expect to take home approximately $41,500 - $43,000 annually, or about $3,460 - $3,580 per month, after taxes.

Your biggest monthly expense will be rent. The average 1-bedroom rent in Greenville is $714/month. Let’s build a realistic monthly budget for a single technician earning the median salary.

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Filer, Median Salary)

Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Net Monthly Income	$3,500	After taxes, approximate.
Rent (1BR)	$714	City average.
Utilities (Elec/Gas/Water)	$180	Higher in summer due to AC.
Groceries & Household	$400
Vehicle Payment/Insurance	$500	Essential in Greenville; no real public transit.
Fuel	$250	Commutes can be long; you drive everywhere.
Health Insurance	$300	If not fully covered by employer.
Tools & Work Supplies	$100	A professional tech’s ongoing investment.
Savings/Retirement	$400	Crucial for long-term growth.
Miscellaneous/Leisure	$656	For everything else.
Total	$3,400	Leaves room for $100 buffer.

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. This is one of Greenville’s biggest draws for skilled tradespeople. With this budget, you have $1,100+ in discretionary funds after core expenses. A 30-year mortgage on a $150,000 home (a common price for a starter home in a decent neighborhood) with a 5% down payment would cost roughly $850 - $950/month including taxes and insurance. With the leftover $1,100, owning a home is a realistic goal within 2-3 years of saving, assuming you maintain steady employment. This is a stark contrast to buying a home in Jackson or, especially, outside Mississippi.

Where the Jobs Are: Greenville's Major Employers

The job market here is not dominated by large corporations. It’s a mix of local family-run businesses, regional companies, and institutional employers. Networking at places like the Delta Council or local trade gatherings is key.

Here are the primary employers for HVAC Technicians in the Greenville area:

1. Delta Cooling Solutions: A major regional player with a significant presence in Greenville. They handle large commercial and industrial accounts, including the Greenville Public School District and Washington County Hospital. They tend to hire for commercial and industrial techs, offering more specialized training and slightly higher pay. Hiring is steady, with a focus on techs who can handle refrigeration and large chillers.

2. Brown Mechanical Services: A well-established, mid-sized local company serving residential and light commercial clients. They’re known for good community relationships and service contracts. If you’re a people-person and want a mix of installs and service calls, this is a go-to. They often hire from local trade schools and prefer candidates with a strong work ethic over just years on paper.

3. McDonald’s Heating & Air: Despite the name, they’re a full-service HVAC company serving the greater Delta region. They focus heavily on residential replacement and new construction with local builders. Hiring trends here align with the housing market; they’re busy when new homes are being built in areas like North Greenville. They often sponsor apprenticeships.

4. Mississippi State University Extension Service - Washington County: While not a direct HVAC employer, the MSU-ES office in Greenville is a hub for agricultural and community information. They often have connections to local farmers and businesses that need industrial refrigeration and climate control for storage. A tech with this specialty can find niche work through these networks.

5. Washington County General Hospital: The hospital’s facilities department is a constant source of work. They employ in-house maintenance techs with HVAC licenses and also contract with large firms like Delta Cooling for specialized equipment. In-house roles offer stability and benefits, while contracted work provides variety.

6. Local Construction Firms (e.g., W.G. Yates & Sons Construction): Yates, based in nearby Philadelphia, MS, has a large presence in the Delta, often working on commercial projects. They hire subcontractors and sometimes in-house techs for HVAC installation on new builds. This is a source of cyclical but high-volume work during construction booms.

Insider Tip: The best jobs are often found through word-of-mouth at the Carson’s Corner coffee shop or the Greenville Chamber of Commerce events. Many companies don’t post publicly; they ask their current reliable techs for referrals.

Getting Licensed in Mississippi

Mississippi has a straightforward licensing process managed by the Mississippi State Board of Contractors (MSBOC). It’s not as burdensome as some states, but it’s mandatory for any work over $10,000.

Requirements:

1. Experience: You need to document 4 years (8,000 hours) of experience working under a licensed HVAC contractor or engineer. Apprenticeship hours count.
2. Exam: You must pass the Mississippi HVAC Contractor Examination. This is a comprehensive test covering both business/law and technical HVAC knowledge. The pass rate is about 70%, so studying is crucial.
3. Financials: You must provide proof of financial stability (a net worth statement or a surety bond).
4. Application & Fees: Submit an application to the MSBOC with a $150 application fee and a $225 license fee (subject to change).

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1-2: Work as an apprentice or installation helper. Document all your hours meticulously.
• Year 3-4: Continue gaining experience, taking on more responsibility. Consider taking a pre-licensing course (offered by some community colleges or online).
• Year 5: Apply for the exam. Study for 2-3 months. Take the exam. Once passed and fees are paid, you receive your license.

Total Cost Estimate: $375 in fees + $200-$500 for study materials/course = $575 - $875 total.

Insider Tip: The MSBOC website is your friend. Print out the exam content outline and study from the SMACNA and International Mechanical Code books. Many local techs in Greenville took their exam in Jackson, so plan for a day trip.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Living in Greenville is about balancing commute time, safety, and access to amenities. The city is spread out, so your address matters for your daily drive.

1. North Greenville (e.g., near the Greenville Country Club):

   • Commute: Excellent to most employers in the city center and north industrial areas. 10-15 minutes to most jobs.
   • Lifestyle: Quieter, more residential, and established. Good for families. Rent is a bit higher here.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $750 - $850/month.
   • Why: Proximity to Washington County Hospital and many residential service calls. Easy access to Highway 82.

2. South Greenville / The Lake Area (near Lake Washington Rd.):

   • Commute: Similar to North, but a bit longer to the north side. 15-20 minutes.
   • Lifestyle: More rural feel, closer to the lake for outdoor activities. Can have larger properties.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $650 - $750/month.
   • Why: Lower cost of living, less traffic. Good if you work for a contractor servicing the southern parts of the county.

3. Downtown / Historic District:

   • Commute: Walkable for some, but most techs will drive. Central to everything.
   • Lifestyle: Walkable to restaurants, the arts scene, and the riverfront. More urban feel, but with limited housing stock.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $600 - $700/month (for a small apartment or a room in a historic home).
   • Why: Minimal commute if you work for a downtown-based company. Younger professionals enjoy the social scene.

4. East Greenville (near the MSU Extension Office):

   • Commute: Good for jobs on the east side of the highway. 10-15 minutes to most places.
   • Lifestyle: Mixed residential and light commercial. Affordable and convenient.
   • Rent Estimate (1BR): $680 - $780/month.
   • Why: Central location, easy access to I-55 North via Highway 82 if you need to travel to other Delta cities for work.

Insider Tip: When looking for a place, prioritize a garage or covered parking. Your tools and parts are your livelihood, and a sudden hailstorm or dust storm can damage equipment left outside.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in Greenville long-term means building a specialty. The general residential repair market is competitive on price. To earn above the median, you need advanced skills.

Specialty Premiums:

• Commercial Refrigeration (Grocery/Restaurant): Can add $5-$10/hour to your rate. The Delta has food processing plants and large grocery chains that rely on 24/7 refrigeration.
• Industrial HVAC (Manufacturing/Agri): Working on complex systems in places like Delta Packing or chemical plants. Premium pay and often better benefits.
• Building Automation Systems (BAS): Learning to program and install smart controls for large buildings (like the hospital or school district) is in high demand. This can lead to a supervisory or management role.
• Sales & Service Consulting: Some technicians move into a hybrid role, diagnosing systems and providing sales quotes for replacement units. This can be the most lucrative path, often with a commission structure.

10-Year Outlook:
The 6% growth is solid. The biggest threat is automation and more efficient systems requiring fewer service calls, but the replacement market is always active. The key to growth is becoming the expert in a niche. If you’re the go-to person for industrial refrigeration or complex controls, you’ll never lack for work. Consider starting your own one-person shop after 10+ years; the low cost of living makes it easier to bootstrap a business here than in a major city.

The Verdict: Is Greenville Right for You?

Greenville isn’t for everyone, but for the right HVAC tech, it can be a fantastic place to build a stable, fulfilling career and a life.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $52,997 salary feels like much more here. Homeownership is within reach.	Limited Job Volume: With only 57 jobs, you need to be resilient and may face periods of unemployment between contracts.
Steady, Predictable Demand: The Delta climate ensures year-round HVAC work.	Lower Ceiling: Top-end salaries aren't as high as in coastal or large industrial markets.
Strong Community & Reputation: Build a name for yourself quickly and become indispensable.	Geographic Isolation: You're a 2-hour drive to Jackson or Memphis. Travel options are limited.
Outdoor Recreation: Lake Washington, hunting, and fishing are major perks for work-life balance.	Economic Dependency: Tied to agriculture and some manufacturing; economic downturns can ripple through.
Homeownership is Attainable: As shown in the budget, you can buy a house.	Limited Nightlife/Arts: If you crave big-city amenities, you’ll be driving to Memphis often.

Final Recommendation:
Greenville is an excellent choice for an HVAC technician focused on long-term stability, homeownership, and a relaxed pace of life. It’s ideal for you if you are:

• A mid-career tech looking to put down roots and buy a home.
• Willing to specialize to increase your earning potential.
• Happy with a smaller community where your face is known.
• Not reliant on a bustling social scene or frequent travel.

If you’re a newly licensed tech chasing the highest possible salary or a tech who needs constant variety, you might find Greenville limiting. But for the right person, it’s a place where a skilled trade can build a great life.

FAQs

1. Do I need my own truck and tools to get hired in Greenville?
Almost always. Most employers provide a service vehicle, but many expect you to have your own set of basic hand tools. For a lead tech role, having your own van with a full inventory is a significant advantage and can lead to higher pay or profit-sharing.

2. How’s the weather for HVAC work?
Demanding and predictable. Summers are brutally hot and humid, putting maximum load on AC systems. This is your busy season for service and repairs. Winters can be cold and occasionally icy, driving furnace and heat pump calls. Spring and fall are your installation and maintenance windows.

3. Are there union jobs in Greenville?
Union representation is very limited. The vast majority of HVAC work in the Delta is non-union, open-shop. The benefits and pay are often determined by the individual company’s policies and your negotiation skills, not a collective bargaining agreement.

4. What’s the best way to find my first job here?
Start by contacting the Mississippi State Board of Contractors and asking for a list of licensed HVAC companies in Washington County. Then, call them directly. Also, walk into the Greenville Chamber of Commerce and ask about local members in the trade. A personal handshake goes a long way.

5. Is it worth getting a commercial driver’s license (CDL)?
For a residential tech, no. For a tech aiming for industrial or large commercial work, a CDL can be a huge asset. It allows you to drive larger service trucks, which is often required for transporting heavy equipment like chillers