Illinois · HVAC Technician Salary
Median annual salary for HVAC mechanics and installers in Illinois, based on BLS OEWS 2024 data (SOC 49-9021). Salaries range from $53,354 at the 25th percentile to $95,893 at the 75th.
25th Percentile
$53,354
Median
$72,100
75th Percentile
$95,893
National Rank
#1 of 51
| Level | Est. Annual |
|---|---|
Apprentice / Helper 0–2 yrs | $50,470 |
Junior Tech 2–5 yrs | $63,448 |
Journeymanmedian 5–10 yrs | $72,100 |
Senior Tech 10–15 yrs | $82,915 |
Lead / Supervisor 15+ yrs | $92,288 |
Estimates apply BLS-observed seniority wage progression ratios to the Illinois median. Actual pay depends on employer, company size, and specialization.
Required for any refrigerant work; universal vs. type-specific adds ~$1K
With cert: ~$75,600/yr
Fewer than 10% of techs hold NATE — scarcity drives the premium
With cert: ~$80,600/yr
Required in ~30 states; often the ceiling without it
With cert: ~$76,300/yr
Opens commercial and government service contracts
With cert: ~$74,100/yr
Premiums are additive and reflect national averages adjusted to the Illinois wage level. Source: ACCA salary survey 2024.
| Specialization | Est. Median |
|---|---|
Residential Service Baseline — most common role in the state | $72,100 |
Commercial HVAC RTUs, chillers, AHUs — more system complexity | $82,194 |
Refrigeration Supermarket and cold-chain specialists command a consistent premium | $85,078 |
Controls / BMS Building automation is the highest-paying specialty by a wide margin | $95,172 |
New Construction Install Steady work but lower wages than service-call roles | $67,774 |
| City / Metro | Est. Median |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $82,194 |
| Naperville | $78,589 |
| Aurora | $76,426 |
| Rockford | $68,495 |
City estimates use metro-area wage adjustment factors derived from BLS OEWS metro-level data.
vs. National Median
National: $54,228/yr · Illinois ranks #1 of 51 states
Median: $70,200/yr
Median: $68,700/yr
Median: $68,400/yr
Median: $66,900/yr
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Need to know licensing requirements in Illinois?
EPA 608, state contractor licenses, NATE certification, and more.
Compare with other states:
Data source: BLS OEWS 2024, SOC 49-9021 · Last updated 2026
