Average HVAC Technician Salary in Illinois

HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration) technicians install, maintain, and repair climate control and refrigeration systems in homes, commercial buildings, and industrial facilities. With a median annual salary of approximately $57,300 and strong employment growth of 9% projected through 2032, HVAC is one of the best-paying skilled trades accessible without a four-year degree. The profession is recession-resistant — heating and cooling systems fail in both good and bad economies — and the energy efficiency transition is creating substantial new demand for technicians certified in heat pump systems, variable refrigerant flow (VRF) technology, and smart building controls. Top earners in commercial refrigeration, building automation, and HVAC/R system commissioning routinely exceed $80,000–$100,000.

In Illinois, hvac technicians earn an average of $57,921 per year as of 2026, with salaries ranging from $39,146 for entry-level roles to $87,200 for the most experienced professionals — +1.1% above the national average. Pay is influenced most by commercial vs. residential specialization — commercial technicians earn 15–25% more than residential, nate certification — certified technicians typically command $3,000–$6,000 annual salary premiums, and the specific metro area within Illinois.