Home/HVAC Schools by City/Chicago Heights
Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL

HVAC Schools & Training in
Chicago Heights, IL

Find accredited HVAC training programs near Chicago Heights. Compare schools by tuition, program length, certifications, and training format — then request info for free. See all HVAC schools by city or the Illinois HVAC schools guide.

$77,410
Median HVAC Salary
+6%
Job Growth Rate
146+
Annual Openings
Not Required
Illinois License
Programs Near Chicago Heights
Accredited HVAC Schools in Illinois
These accredited programs serve the Chicago Heights metro area. Filter by format, cost, or certification focus to narrow your results.

Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Chicago Heights.

Trade SchoolAccredited

Chicago Professional Center

Prospect Heights, Illinois
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$6,640
Shortest Track
4 mo
View Programs
Community CollegeAccredited

City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College

Chicago, Illinois
Programs
3
Starting Tuition
Not published
Shortest Track
6 mo
View Programs
Community CollegeAccredited

College of DuPage

Glen Ellyn, Illinois
Programs
3
Starting Tuition
Not published
Shortest Track
6 mo
View Programs
Community CollegeAccredited

College of Lake County

Grayslake, Illinois
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
Not published
Shortest Track
6 mo
View Programs
Trade SchoolAccredited

Coyne College

Chicago, Illinois
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
$18,500
Shortest Track
8 mo
EPA 608NATE Prep
View Programs
Community CollegeAccredited

Danville Area Community College

Danville, Illinois
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
Not published
Shortest Track
6 mo
View Programs
Chicago Professional Center— full profile & programs →City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College— full profile & programs →College of DuPage— full profile & programs →College of Lake County— full profile & programs →Coyne College— full profile & programs →Danville Area Community College— full profile & programs →
Top Programs

HVAC Programs Near Chicago Heights

DiplomaIn-Person

HVAC Diploma (1–2 years)

Prairie State College

Prairie State College conferred 11 awards at a 1- to 2-year certificate or diploma in HVAC/R (CIP 47.0201) in 2023-24 (IPEDS Completions 2023-24 (provisional,…

Duration
1 yr
Tuition
Not published
Financial Aid
Learn More
Illinois HVAC Career Guide
Local Market
HVAC in Chicago Heights
Chicago Heights and the surrounding Illinois market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
Salary Range
$46,690 entry-level to $117,550+ for experienced technicians. Median: $77,410/year.

Source: BLS OEWS SOC 49-9021

Job Outlook
+6% projected growth with approximately 146 annual openings in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL. Demand outpaces supply in most submarkets.
Top Employers
and dozens of independent contractors hiring entry-level technicians in the Chicago Heights area.
Licensing
Illinois HVAC License Requirements
Understanding your state's licensing rules before choosing a program helps you pick a curriculum that meets the requirements.
Illinois License: Not Required at State Level
Illinois does not require a statewide HVAC license. However, Chicago and many other municipalities require local mechanical contractor licensing and permits.
Full Illinois license requirements →
EPA 608 Certification Guide
Your Path
From Training to $77,410+/Year
Here's a realistic timeline from starting HVAC school to earning the median salary in the Chicago Heights market.
01
Enroll in a Certificate Program
6–12 months. Learn HVAC fundamentals, refrigeration, electrical, and get EPA 608 certified. Most Chicago Heights-area programs cost $8,000–$18,000 with financial aid available.
02
Get EPA 608 Certified
Required by federal law before handling refrigerants. Most certificate programs include exam prep. The exam costs $20–$40 and certification never expires.
03
Land Your First Tech Role
Entry-level positions in Chicago Heights typically start at $46,690–$58,363/year. Many employers offer sign-on bonuses given the current technician shortage.
04
Earn NATE Certification
NATE-certified techs earn 10–20% more on average. Specialize in residential, commercial, or refrigeration to command premium rates in the Chicago Heights market.
Nearby Areas

HVAC Training Near Chicago Heights Suburbs

HVAC programs in Chicago Heights serve students from across the metro area including:
Chicago, ILNaperville, ILAurora, ILJoliet, ILEvanston, ILSchaumburg, IL

Programs listed for Chicago Heights draw students from across these communities. Areas with their own guide are linked.

Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Chicago Heights earn a median $77,410/year with 6% job growth and ~146 annual openings in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL. Prioritizing schools with campus presence in or near Chicago Heights.

  • Salary range: $46,690–$117,550+
  • Illinois license: not required at state level
  • 1 programs and 6 schools listed for this metro
FAQ
HVAC Schools in Chicago Heights — Common Questions
Answers to what people searching for HVAC training in Chicago Heights ask most.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Chicago Heights?
The median HVAC technician salary in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL is $77,410 per year, according to BLS OEWS data. Entry-level technicians typically earn $46,690–$62,050 while experienced technicians and journeymen can earn $117,550+.
Do I need a license to work as an HVAC technician in Illinois?
Illinois does not require a statewide HVAC license. However, Chicago and many other municipalities require local mechanical contractor licensing and permits.
How long does HVAC training take in Chicago Heights?
Most HVAC certificate programs take 6–12 months. Associate degree programs take 18–24 months. HVAC apprenticeship programs in Chicago Heights typically take 4–5 years but pay wages from day one. The fastest route to employment is a certificate program followed by an entry-level tech position.
Is the HVAC job market good in Chicago Heights?
Yes. The Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL is projected to add approximately 146 HVAC job openings per year, with 6% employment growth through 2032 — above the national average of 6%. Chicago Heights and the surrounding Illinois market rely on year-round heating and cooling demand. Accredited HVAC programs in the region prepare technicians for residential service, commercial installs, and EPA 608 certification.
What certifications do I need to work HVAC in Chicago Heights?
EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, and is mandatory in Chicago Heights as elsewhere. Most employers also prefer or require NATE (North American Technician Excellence) certification. Illinois does not require a state HVAC contractor license, though local permits may apply.
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Find Your HVAC School
Near Chicago Heights.
Browse accredited programs, compare tuition costs, and request info from Chicago Heights-area HVAC schools — all free, no account required.
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