Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Illinois earn a median $77,410 per year ($37.29/hr mean), which is 26.9% above the U.S. median. Experienced techs (90th percentile) earn $117,550.

  • Entry-level (10th percentile): $46,690/yr
  • Median: $77,410/yr · Mean: $77,570/yr
  • 9,740 HVAC techs employed in Illinois
  • Cost-of-living adjusted wage: $81,567/yr (COL index 95.1)
Salary Percentiles
See how HVAC technician pay is distributed across experience levels in Illinois.
90th Percentile
$117,550
75th Percentile
$96,030
Median
$77,410
25th Percentile
$60,200
10th Percentile
$46,690
Cost of Living Adjustment
Illinois's cost of living index is 95.1 (national average = 100). After adjusting for cost of living, your effective annual wage is $81,567.
HVAC pay questions in Illinois
Answers match the FAQ structured data on this page for search and AI assistants.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Illinois?
The median HVAC technician salary in Illinois is $77,410 per year ($77,570 mean). That is 26.9% above the U.S. median. Entry-level pay (10th percentile) is about $46,690; experienced techs (90th percentile) earn about $117,550.
What is the hourly wage for HVAC technicians in Illinois?
The mean hourly wage for HVAC technicians in Illinois is $37.29. Annual figures assume full-time work; overtime, on-call pay, and certifications can raise effective hourly earnings.
How many HVAC technicians work in Illinois?
BLS OEWS estimates about 9,740 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021) employed in Illinois.
Is HVAC pay in Illinois high after cost of living?
Illinois's cost-of-living index is 95.1 (U.S. average = 100). After adjusting the median for purchasing power, the effective wage is about $81,567 per year.
What certifications increase HVAC pay in Illinois?
EPA Section 608 is required to handle refrigerants nationwide. NATE and other industry certifications are associated with higher pay (often a mid-single to low-double-digit premium) and stronger hiring odds with larger Illinois employers.
Data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program, SOC code 49-9021 (Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers). State wage figures are U.S. BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) estimates for HVAC mechanics and installers (SOC 49-9021), May 2025 OEWS. Metro pages use May 2025 OEWS, published 2026-05-15 for metropolitan areas. A state figure and a metro figure describe different places and should not be averaged. Cost-of-living index from the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC). Actual wages vary by employer, experience, and certification. View BLS source data (May 2025 OEWS) ↗
Earn More in
Illinois.
Certified HVAC technicians earn 10–15% more on average. Find a training program that preps you for the certifications that boost your pay.