Cold winters, humid summers, and strong four-season demand drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Illinois. Average pay runs $77,570/year — 19.7% above the national average — with 9,740 techs employed across Chicago, Rockford, and Peoria.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$46,690
entry-level
25th Pct
$60,200
early career
Median
$77,410
typical wage
75th Pct
$96,030
experienced
90th Pct
$117,550
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Local building departments (Chicago Department of Buildings primary)
License type: Varies by municipality
Threshold or scope: All trade licensing at municipal level
Continuing education: Varies by municipality
Key details: Chicago: General Contractor License (5 classes by project value) + DOB Mechanical Subcontractor registration.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
4
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
954
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
9,740
SOC 49-9021
15.87¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#33 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
5A
Cool-Humid
heating_dominant
Illinois is in a Cool-Humid zone where heating demand defines the HVAC market. Furnace, boiler, and heat pump work dominate the trade, with emergency winter service driving demand. Summer cooling work is shorter but real.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Illinois earn a mean annual wage of $77,570, about 19.7% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $46,690, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $117,550. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Illinois are Chicago with about 7,210 HVAC mechanics, Peoria with about 370 HVAC mechanics, and Champaign with about 240 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Illinois are Illinois Central College, Parkland College, and McHenry County College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
