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

HVAC Schools in
Joliet

Find accredited HVAC training programs near Joliet. Compare schools by tuition, program length, certifications, and job placement rates — then request info for free.

$55,120
Median HVAC Salary
+6%
Job Growth Rate
244+
Annual Openings
Not Required
Illinois License

Key Takeaways

HVAC technicians in Joliet earn a median $55,120/year with 6% job growth and ~244 annual openings in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL. Showing accredited programs in Illinois that commonly serve the Joliet metro.

  • Salary range: $34,780–$79,640+
  • Illinois license: not required at state level
  • 5 programs and 3 schools listed for this metro
Local Market
HVAC in Joliet
Joliet 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
$34,780 entry-level to $79,640+ for experienced technicians. Median: $55,120/year.
Source: BLS OEWS SOC 49-9021
Job Outlook
+6% projected growth with approximately 244 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 Joliet 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
Programs Near Joliet
Accredited HVAC Schools in Illinois
These accredited programs serve the Joliet metro area. Filter by format, cost, or certification focus to narrow your results.
Showing accredited programs in Illinois that commonly serve the Joliet metro.
Trade SchoolAccredited

Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield IL

Springfield, Illinois
Programs
1
Starting Tuition
$19,800
Shortest Track
9 mo
Job Placement
82%
EPA 608NATE Prep
View Programs
Community CollegeAccredited

Triton College

River Grove, Illinois
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
$6,000
Shortest Track
12 mo
Job Placement
86%
EPA 608NATE Prep
View Programs
Trade SchoolAccredited

Coyne College

Chicago, Illinois
Programs
2
Starting Tuition
$18,500
Shortest Track
8 mo
Job Placement
81%
EPA 608NATE Prep
View Programs
Top Programs
HVAC Programs Near Joliet
DiplomaIn-Person

HVAC/R Technician Program

Midwest Technical Institute - Springfield IL
Duration
9 mo
Tuition
$19,800
Credit Hours
34
Job Placement
82%
EPA 608NATE PrepFinancial Aid
Learn More
DiplomaIn-Person

HVAC/R Technician

Coyne College
Duration
10 mo
Tuition
$22,800
Credit Hours
48
Job Placement
79%
EPA 608NATE PrepFinancial Aid
Learn More
All Programs in JolietView All Illinois Programs
Your Path
From Training to $55,120+/Year
Here's a realistic timeline from starting HVAC school to earning the median salary in the Joliet market.
01
Enroll in a Certificate Program
6–12 months. Learn HVAC fundamentals, refrigeration, electrical, and get EPA 608 certified. Most Joliet-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 Joliet typically start at $34,780–$43,475/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 Joliet market.
Nearby Areas
Also Serving These Joliet Suburbs
HVAC programs in Joliet serve students from across the metro area including:
Chicago, ILNaperville, ILAurora, ILEvanston, ILSchaumburg, IL
FAQ
HVAC Schools in Joliet — Common Questions
Answers to what people searching for HVAC training in Joliet ask most.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Joliet?
The median HVAC technician salary in the Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL is $55,120 per year, according to BLS OEWS data. Entry-level technicians typically earn $34,780–$44,950 while experienced technicians and journeymen can earn $79,640+.
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 Joliet?
Most HVAC certificate programs take 6–12 months. Associate degree programs take 18–24 months. HVAC apprenticeship programs in Joliet 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 Joliet?
Yes. The Chicago–Naperville–Elgin, IL is projected to add approximately 244 HVAC job openings per year, with 6% employment growth through 2032 — above the national average of 6%. Joliet 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 Joliet?
EPA Section 608 certification is required by federal law for anyone handling refrigerants, and is mandatory in Joliet 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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