Trade directory · Hattiesburg metro · Mississippi

HVAC contractors in
Hattiesburg, Mississippi.

A public directory of licensed hvac contractors serving greater Hattiesburg. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.

Licensed Establishments
677
U.S. Census Bureau
Peak Season
May through September, with highest demand in July-August due to extreme heat and humidity
Market estimate
Avg. Response Time
24-48 hours for quotes during off-season, 3-5 days during peak summer months
Operator average
§ A · Market rates

Common Job Costs

HATTIESBURG-MS · LOCAL ESTIMATES
Service
Description
Cost Range
AC unit replacement (3-ton)
Typical range based on local ac unit replacement (3-ton) jobs.
$3,500 – $6,500
Ductwork installation
Typical range based on local ductwork installation jobs.
$2,800 – $5,200
Furnace replacement
Typical range based on local furnace replacement jobs.
$2,200 – $4,800
Heat pump installation
Typical range based on local heat pump installation jobs.
$4,000 – $7,500
Duct cleaning
Typical range based on local duct cleaning jobs.
$300 – $600
HVAC maintenance/tune-up
Typical range based on local hvac maintenance/tune-up jobs.
$125 – $250
§ B · Regulatory

Licensing Requirements

MS
§1

Licensing Requirements

Mississippi requires Contractor's License for HVAC work over $500. Must pass business and law exam plus trade-specific exam. Class I license for unlimited work, Class II for projects under $50,000. Requires 4 years experience or equivalent education. License renewed annually by December 31st.

§2

Permit Requirements

City of Hattiesburg requires mechanical permits for HVAC installations, replacements, and major repairs. Permit fees range $50-200 based on project scope. Submit plans for commercial work over 5 tons.

§3

Inspection Schedule

Rough-in inspection before ductwork is concealed, final inspection before system activation. Schedule inspections 24-48 hours in advance through city building department.

§4

Insurance Minimums

Mississippi requires $50,000 general liability minimum for licensed contractors. Workers compensation required if employing others. Bonding requirements vary by project size and client.

§ C · Path to license

How to Get Licensed

5 STEPS
1

Meet experience requirements

Document 4 years HVAC experience through employer letters, pay stubs, or complete approved technical education program. State board verifies all claims.

01/05
2

Submit application

Complete contractor license application with $300 fee. Include experience documentation, references, and financial statements. Applications processed in 30-45 days.

02/05
3

Pass required exams

Take business and law exam plus HVAC trade exam. $50 fee per test. Minimum 70% passing score. Exams offered monthly in Jackson and other locations.

03/05
4

Obtain insurance and bonding

Secure minimum $50,000 general liability insurance. Bonding may be required based on project types. Submit proof of coverage with license application.

04/05
5

Receive license and maintain

License issued after passing exams and meeting requirements. Renew annually by December 31st with $200 fee. Complete continuing education if required.

05/05
§ D · Field notes

About This Market

UPDATED APR 2026

Hattiesburg's HVAC market runs hot, literally and figuratively. With brutal summers pushing units to their limits, replacement and repair work drives steady demand from May through September. The mix is about 60% residential, 40% commercial, with the University of Southern Mississippi campus adding institutional work. Competition is moderate with approximately 15-20 active contractors serving the metro area. Costs run slightly below Jackson rates but above rural Mississippi due to local building requirements and skilled labor availability. The pine belt humidity kills units fast, keeping the work flowing. Getting licensed in Mississippi isn't a joke - you need real experience or education backing your application. The state board checks references and they'll catch inflated experience claims. Hattiesburg building department runs tight inspections, especially on commercial work. Peak season means you're booked solid but parts availability becomes an issue. Smart contractors stock up on common units before summer hits. The university provides steady institutional work during slower months, but they bid everything and payment runs 60-90 days.

Data Sources
  • Licensed establishments in MS
    US Census Bureau
  • Licensing requirements and fees
    Mississippi State Board of Contractors
  • Permit requirements
    Hattiesburg Building Department
  • Cost ranges
    Local market estimates
  • Insurance minimums
    Mississippi contractor licensing statutes
§ E · FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

05 QUESTIONS
Q/01

What license do I need for HVAC work in Mississippi?

Mississippi Contractor's License required for HVAC jobs over $500. Class I for unlimited work, Class II for projects under $50,000. Must pass state exams and show 4 years experience. Source: Mississippi State Board of Contractors.

Q/02

How much does HVAC licensing cost in Mississippi?

Initial license application fee is $300 plus $50 exam fee per test taken. Annual renewal is $200. Additional fees for bonding if required. Source: Mississippi State Board of Contractors fee schedule.

Q/03

Do I need permits for HVAC work in Hattiesburg?

Yes, mechanical permits required for installations, replacements, and major repairs. Fees range $50-200 based on scope. Commercial work over 5 tons requires plan submission. Source: Hattiesburg Building Department.

Q/04

How competitive is the HVAC market in Hattiesburg?

Moderate competition with 15-20 active contractors serving metro area. Mississippi has 677 licensed HVAC establishments statewide. Peak season demand often exceeds capacity. Source: US Census Bureau, local market analysis.

Q/05

When is peak season for HVAC work in Hattiesburg?

May through September with July-August being busiest. High humidity and temperatures above 90°F stress older systems. Emergency calls spike when heat index exceeds 105°F. Source: Local contractor reports, NOAA climate data.

§ F · Directory

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