§ 03 Trade wages
HVAC technicians in Lake Charles, LA
HVAC technicians in the Lake Charles, LA metro earned a median of $22.77 an hour in May 2025 (BLS OEWS), 22% lower than the national median of $29.33. The middle half earned $20.90 to $29.27. About 220 people work in this occupation here. That ranks 336 of 350 metros with a reliable estimate for this trade. These are employee wages, not what a contractor bills you per hour.
BLS OEWS May 2025 · SOC 49-9021
HVAC technicians, Lake Charles, LA
25th pct$20.90per hour
Median$22.77per hour
75th pct$29.27per hour
10th pct$18.15
90th pct$33.22
Mean$24.82
Workers220
Your multiplier: ×2.0Median wage × multiplier: $46/hr
OEWS reports what employers pay these workers per hour. A contractor’s bill also covers the business: insurance, licensing, vehicles, tools, office staff, warranty callbacks, unbilled travel time and profit. The wage is a floor for understanding a quote, never a price. You set the multiplier; we publish no typical markup because we have no citable source for one.What else is in a bill for this trade
- A load calculation and system design before a replacement
- Refrigerant handling (EPA Section 608 certified technicians)
- Permit, start-up and warranty registration
BLS OEWS May 2025 · Lake Charles, LA · mean RSE 4.3%Employee wages from the BLS employer survey. Not what a contractor bills.