4 registered apprenticeship programs in Illinois. Starting wages from $24.26/hr, advancing to $34.66/hr at journeyman level.
$24.26/hr
Starting wage
$34.66/hr
Journeyman wage
4–5 years
Program length
4
Registered programs
Programs registered with the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL RAPIDS) and/or the IL state apprenticeship agency. Contact programs directly for current enrollment windows and openings.
| Program | Sponsor | Duration | Wage progression |
|---|---|---|---|
| HVAC/R Apprenticeship — Chicago JATC (Pipefitters Local 597) | UA Local 597 — Pipefitters, Chicago | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 50% → 60% → 70% → 80% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| Sheet Metal Apprenticeship — SMWIA Local 265 Chicago | Sheet Metal Workers Local 265 | 5 years / 10,000 OJT hours | 47% → 57% → 68% → 78% → 90% of journeyman rate |
| HVAC Technician Apprenticeship — Illinois PHCC | Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors of Illinois | 4 years | $21/hr → $25/hr → $29/hr → $33/hr |
| Commercial Refrigeration Apprenticeship — Nooter/Eriksen Chicago | Nooter/Eriksen / Illinois Mechanical Contractors | 4 years / 8,000 OJT hours | $22/hr → $26/hr → $30/hr → $35/hr |
Wages shown use the standard DOL apprenticeship progression schedule applied to the Illinois journeyman median of $34.66/hr (BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021). Actual rates depend on the specific program sponsor.
| Stage | % of journeyman | Estimated hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Year 1 (0–12 months) | 50% | $17.33/hr |
| Year 2 (12–24 months) | 60% | $20.80/hr |
| Year 3 (24–36 months) | 70% | $24.26/hr |
| Year 4 (36–48 months) | 80% | $27.73/hr |
| Year 5 / Journeyman | 100% | $34.66/hr |
Illinois Department of Commerce — Apprenticeship Illinois
https://dceo.illinois.gov/workforce/apprenticeship.htmlRegister your apprenticeship, verify program sponsors, and find additional registered programs not listed here.
No apprentice listings are active in Illinois right now. Check back soon, or browse entry-level HVAC jobs across the country.
Browse all apprentice jobsMost registered HVAC apprenticeship programs in Illinois take 4–5 years, combining on-the-job training (OJT) hours with related technical instruction (RTI).
Entry-level apprentices in Illinois typically start around $24.26/hour (≈50% of journeyman rate). By program completion, wages reach approximately $34.66/hour.
Must be at least 18 years old High school diploma or GED equivalent Valid driver's license Able to lift 50 lbs and work in confined spaces Pass a drug screening prior to enrollment Union membership or willingness to join required for JATC programs Individual program sponsors may have additional requirements.
Wage data sourced from BLS OEWS 2024 (SOC 49-9021). Program information reflects DOL RAPIDS database patterns as of 2026. Contact individual program sponsors for current enrollment status and exact wage schedules.
