HVAC Technician Salary in Illinois (2025)
HVAC Technicians in Illinois earn a median salary of $61,400 per year, or $29.50/hr. The state has roughly 16,552 hvac technician jobs with a projected growth rate of 5.5% over the next decade.
HVAC Technician Pay by Experience Level in Illinois
Where you are in your career makes a big difference. Apprentices in Illinois start lower but can expect significant raises as they move toward journeyman and master credentials.
| Experience Level | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $17.70/hr | $36,800/yr |
| Journeyman | $29.50/hr | $61,400/yr |
| Master | $38.35/hr | $79,800/yr |
| Foreman | $41.30/hr | $85,900/yr |
Apprentice
Hourly
$17.70
Annual
$36,800
Journeyman
Hourly
$29.50
Annual
$61,400
Master
Hourly
$38.35
Annual
$79,800
Foreman
Hourly
$41.30
Annual
$85,900
Union vs. Non-Union HVAC Technician Pay in Illinois
Union membership can have a major impact on your take-home pay in Illinois. The numbers below compare average hourly rates for union and non-union hvac technicians in the state.
Union vs. Non-Union Pay
Average hourly rate for hvac technicians
Union hvac technicians earn $9.14/hr more (31.9% premium)
Highest-Paying Cities for HVAC Technicians in Illinois
Metro areas tend to pay more due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Here are the top-paying cities for hvac technicians in Illinois.
| Rank | City / Metro Area | Hourly Rate | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|
| 🥇 | Chicago | $33.04/hr | $68,700 |
Illinois vs. National Average
How does Illinois stack up against the rest of the country? Here is a side-by-side look at average hourly pay for hvac technicians.
Illinois vs. National Average
Average hourly rate comparison
Illinois pays $4.50/hr more than the national average (+18.0%)
Overtime Earnings Potential
Many hvac technicians in Illinois earn well above their base salary thanks to overtime. At the median rate of $29.50/hr, overtime pay (1.5x) works out to roughly $44.25/hr. Working just 10 hours of OT per week at that rate adds about $23,000 to your annual income.
Frequently Asked Questions
HVAC Technician salaries in Illinois vary based on experience, certifications, and whether you work union or non-union. Entry-level hvac technicians typically earn around 60-70% of the median wage, while experienced professionals and those with master-level credentials can earn 25-50% above the median.
Entry-level hvac technicians in Illinois typically start at the lower end of the pay range, which reflects apprentice or helper-level positions. As you gain experience and complete your training program, your pay increases significantly within the first 2-3 years.
Yes. Union hvac technicians earn 15-30% more per hour on average than their non-union counterparts. When you factor in benefits like pensions, healthcare, and annuity contributions, the total compensation gap is even wider. However, union availability varies significantly by region.
The path to becoming a fully qualified hvac technician depends on the route you take. Apprenticeship programs typically last 3-5 years and combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Trade school programs can be completed in 6-24 months, though you will still need field experience to reach journeyman level.
HVAC Technician work offers solid pay, strong job security, and doesn't require a four-year degree. The Illinois job outlook shows steady demand, and the ongoing skilled labor shortage means qualified hvac technicians have strong bargaining power. The work can be physically demanding, but many professionals find the trade rewarding and well-compensated.
Certifications can significantly boost a hvac technician's earning potential. Industry-recognized credentials, advanced specializations, and safety certifications all help you stand out to employers and command higher hourly rates. Master-level licenses typically result in the biggest pay increases.
Major metropolitan areas in Illinois tend to pay hvac technicians 5-15% above the state average due to higher cost of living and greater demand. Check our city-level salary data for specific figures in your area.
Sources & Methodology
Salary data sourced from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) program. Data reflects May 2024 estimates, the most recent available. Figures represent base pay before overtime, bonuses, or benefits.