HVAC Technician in Shreveport, LA

As someone who’s spent years navigating Shreveport’s job market and neighborhoods, I can tell you that HVAC is a smart, stable trade here. Our climate—hot, humid summers and mild winters—creates year-round demand for installation, repair, and maintenance. This guide is for the technician who wants the hard numbers, the real employer landscape, and the local insights you won’t find on a generic job board. Let’s break down what your career would actually look like in Shreveport, Louisiana.

The Salary Picture: Where Shreveport Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The median salary for an HVAC Technician in the Shreveport metro area is $53,515/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $25.73/hour. This is slightly below the national average of $55,670/year, but it’s crucial to view this through the local lens of Shreveport’s cost of living. With a cost of living index of 87.1 (where the U.S. average is 100), that salary stretches much further here than in cities with higher averages.

Experience is the biggest driver of pay. Here’s a realistic breakdown of what you can expect to earn as your skills and certifications grow.

Experience Level	Annual Salary Range (Shreveport)	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$38,000 - $48,000	Basic maintenance, assistant work, learning tools, OSHA 10.
Mid-Level (3-5 years)	$50,000 - $60,000	Independent repairs, system diagnostics, customer interaction.
Senior Level (6-9 years)	$60,000 - $72,000+	Complex installs, commercial systems, mentoring junior techs.
Expert/Lead (10+ years)	$72,000 - $85,000+	Commercial/industrial specialty, project management, service manager.

Insider Tip: Your first two years are about building speed and trust. Focus on getting your EPA 608 certification (Type II or Universal) as soon as possible—it’s non-negotiable and will bump your starting pay.

When you compare Shreveport to other Louisiana cities, the picture becomes clearer. New Orleans’ metro area has a higher median salary, but the cost of living is also significantly steeper. Baton Rouge’s market is more competitive, with more industrial and petrochemical work, which can drive higher pay for specialists. Shreveport offers a stable, mid-market balance. The metro supports 354 HVAC technician jobs, a solid base for a city of its size. The 10-year job growth is projected at 6%, which, while not explosive, indicates consistent, reliable demand tied to our existing housing stock and commercial infrastructure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $53,515/year salary sounds good, but what’s the real take-home? Let's run the numbers for a single person, using standard 2024 tax estimates for Louisiana (federal, state, FICA).

• Gross Monthly Pay: $53,515 / 12 = $4,459.58
• Estimated Monthly Taxes & Deductions (approx. 22%): ~$981
• Net Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,478

Now, let’s layer in the average cost of a 1-bedroom apartment in Shreveport, which is $927/month. This leaves you with $2,551 for all other expenses.

Here’s a sample monthly budget for a technician living on this salary:

Expense Category	Average Cost (Shreveport)	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$927	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities	$150 - $200	Electricity is a major factor here due to AC use.
Car Payment & Insurance	$400 - $600	Essential; public transit is limited.
Groceries	$300 - $400
Health Insurance	$150 - $300	If not fully covered by employer.
Miscellaneous (food, entertainment, savings)	$600 - $700
Remaining Buffer	$100 - $200

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, with planning. The median home price in Shreveport is roughly $180,000 – $220,000. A down payment of 3.5% (FHA loan) would be $6,300 - $7,700. Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) could be around $1,300 - $1,500, which is higher than rent but builds equity. The key is having an emergency fund and avoiding excessive car debt. Many local companies offer benefits that include a Simple IRA or 401(k) match—take it.

Where the Jobs Are: Shreveport's Major Employers

Shreveport’s HVAC market is driven by residential service companies, commercial contractors, and institutional facilities. Here are the key players and trends.

1. Bossier City-based & Shreveport Commercial Contractors: Firms like Nance Services and Macie Mechanical are prominent. They handle everything from residential installs to large commercial projects. Hiring is steady, with a peak in spring (pre-cooling season) and fall (pre-heating season). Commercial work often pays a premium ($3-$5/hour more than residential).

2. Hospitals & Large Institutions: Ochsner LSU Health Shreveport and Willis-Knighton Health System are massive employers. They have in-house facilities teams that need HVAC techs with clean room/refrigeration experience. These jobs are highly stable, offer excellent benefits, and are less seasonal. They often require more formal education (an Associate’s degree or Navy Nuke school).

3. Louisiana State University (LSU) Shreveport & Southern University at Shreveport: The universities manage their own campuses. These are union or civil service positions with set pay scales, pensions, and incredible job security. They’re competitive; you’ll need to watch the state job board.

4. Government & Military: Barksdale Air Force Base (just east of Shreveport) has vast facilities requiring skilled HVAC techs, often through contractors like Ecolab or Honeywell. Security clearance can be a barrier, but it leads to higher pay. The City of Shreveport and Caddo Parish also hire for public buildings and schools.

5. Residential Service Giants: Companies like Comfort Systems USA (a national player with a strong local presence) and Air Care dominate the residential repair and maintenance market. They are always hiring for on-call technicians. Hiring Trend: There’s a big push for techs with smart thermostat and zoning system expertise.

Insider Tip: The best jobs aren’t always posted. Befriend the parts counter guys at local suppliers like Johnstone Supply. They know who’s hiring and who’s looking to retire.

Getting Licensed in LA

Louisiana has a clear, three-tiered licensing system managed by the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC). For an HVAC Technician, you’ll need a Commercial or Residential Air Conditioning and Refrigeration License.

• L1 - Limited License: For residential work only. Requires passing an exam. You need 2 years of full-time experience.
• L2 - Commercial License: For commercial and industrial work. Requires 4 years of full-time experience and passing an exam.
• Contractor License: For running your own business (Class A or B). Requires 4-5 years of experience, passing the exam, and proof of financial stability.

Costs & Timeline:

• Exam Fee: ~$200 (paid to the testing vendor, Pearson VUE).
• License Fee: ~$150 - $300 (paid to the LSLBC).
• Total Initial Cost: ~$400 - $600.
• Timeline: From application to holding the license, plan for 60 days. The experience verification is the longest part.

The Path: If you’re just starting, enroll in a technical program (like the 1-year certificate at Southern University at Shreveport). It gives you the foundational knowledge and helps with the experience requirement. Work under a licensed contractor, log your hours, and study for the exam. The EPA 608 Certification (Federal) is separate and required for any work with refrigerants.

Best Neighborhoods for HVAC Technicians

Where you live affects your commute and lifestyle. Shreveport is a driving city, so proximity to major arteries (I-20, I-49) is key.

1. South Shreveport / Shreve Island: The most affluent area. Commute to commercial jobs in the city center is easy. Rent is higher ($1,000 - $1,400 for a 1BR). Great for families, with top-rated schools. You’ll find many senior techs and service managers living here.

2. Bossier City / East Shreveport: The fastest-growing area, anchored by Barksdale AFB and the Louisiana Boardwalk. Commute is straightforward via I-20. Rent is moderate ($900 - $1,200). Lots of residential service calls here. Good mix of young techs and military families.

3. Broadmoor / South Highland: Historic, tree-lined neighborhoods just south of downtown. Older homes mean lots of renovation and repair work. Rent is affordable ($800 - $1,100). Commute to downtown or the hospitals is under 10 minutes. A favorite for techs who want character but don’t want a long drive.

4. Caddo Heights / Mooretown: West of I-49, more affordable and close to LSU Shreveport and Willis-Knighton. Rent is among the lowest ($750 - $950). Commute is easy to the west side and downtown. Good for new techs building savings.

5. The “Toolbelt Corridor”: Consider apartments near Youree Drive or Airline Highway. You’re minutes from major suppliers, shopping, and fast food—a practical choice for a tech on the go. Rent: $850 - $1,100.

Insider Tip: When apartment hunting, ask about the HVAC unit’s age. If it’s over 10 years old, you’ll be dealing with frequent service calls and higher bills. Newer buildings in South Shreveport or Bossier often have more efficient systems.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Staying in residential service is steady, but the real money and challenge are in specialties and advancement.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Commercial Refrigeration (Grocery Stores, Convenience Chains): +$5-$10/hour. High demand, on-call work.
  • Chiller Systems (Hospitals, Data Centers, Universities): +$8-$15/hour. Requires advanced training (ASHRAE). This is the top tier.
  • Building Automation Controls (BACnet, LonWorks): +$7-$12/hour. The future of HVAC. Techs who can program and troubleshoot BMS are gold.
  • EPA 608 Universal + NATE Certification: This combo can add $3-$5/hour to your base pay immediately.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field Tech → Lead Tech → Service Manager: The classic path. You’ll manage schedules, quotes, and junior techs.
  2. Field Tech → Sales/Estimator: If you have people skills, you can move into commercial estimating, working on large bids.
  3. Field Tech → Business Owner: Many techs start their own one- or two-truck operation. Shreveport’s market can support it, but you need strong business acumen.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is reliable. The driver is replacement. Our housing stock is old (many homes built in the 60s-80s), and original AC units are hitting end-of-life. Commercial demand will grow with new development around the Louisiana Boardwalk and potential expansions at Barksdale. The biggest risk is automation in diagnostics, but the hands-on repair and installation work is secure.

The Verdict: Is Shreveport Right for You?

Here’s a straightforward assessment.

Pros	Cons
Low Cost of Living: Your $53,515 salary goes far.	Summer Heat & Humidity: The work is physically demanding in peak season.
Stable, Year-Round Demand: No off-seasons.	Limited Public Transit: A reliable vehicle is a must.
Manageable Market Size: Less cutthroat than Houston or Atlanta.	Economic Fluctuations: Tied to oil & gas; layoffs can ripple.
Strong Employer Mix: Good balance of residential, commercial, institutional.	Fewer “Cutting-Edge” Tech Jobs: Less focus on green tech than coastal cities.
Easy Commutes: Even from the suburbs, drives are short.	Social Scene: Quieter than a major metropolis.

Final Recommendation: Shreveport is an excellent choice for HVAC technicians who value stability, affordability, and a work-life balance. It’s ideal for mid-career techs looking to buy a home, or for new techs who want to gain solid experience without being overwhelmed by a massive, cutthroat market. It’s not the place for someone chasing the absolute highest salary, but it’s a fantastic place to build a rewarding, financially stable career as a skilled tradesperson.

FAQs

1. Do I need a college degree to get a good HVAC job in Shreveport?
No. A degree from a technical school (like SUSLA’s program) gives you a head start and can help with licensing, but most employers hire based on experience and certifications. Many top techs started as helpers and learned on the job.

2. Is there a strong union presence for HVAC in Shreveport?
The union presence is modest compared to cities like New Orleans. Some public sector and large commercial jobs (e.g., at the hospitals or base) may be unionized, but the majority of residential and commercial work in the private sector is non-union. Pay and benefits are still competitive.

3. What’s the best way to find a job here before moving?
Use Indeed and LinkedIn, but also check the websites of the major employers listed above (Willis-Knighton, Ochsner LSU, City of Shreveport). For residential work, call or visit local companies directly. The best time to look is February-March (pre-cooling season).

4. How does the on-call schedule work in Shreveport?
It varies. Residential companies typically have a rotating on-call schedule (one week on, one week off). Commercial and institutional jobs may have dedicated on-call techs or a smaller rotation. The summer (June-August) is the busiest on-call period.

5. Is it worth getting my NATE certification here?
Absolutely. While not always required, NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification is highly respected. It can give you a significant edge in hiring, especially for commercial and institutional jobs, and is often linked to higher pay tiers. It shows you have verified, up-to-date knowledge.

Data Sources: Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors (LSLBC), U.S. Census Bureau (ACS), local rental market analysis.