Trades & Labor Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

HVAC Technician Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median hvac technician salary in Chicago, IL is $54,987 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$54,987
vs State Avg
+$6,166
vs National
+$3,597
Cost of Living
107%

HVAC Technician Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median hvac technician salary of $54,987, which is $6,166 above the Illinois state average of $48,821. Compared to the national median of $51,390, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for hvac technicians in Chicago spans from $35,524 at the 10th percentile to $88,382 at the 90th percentile — a $52,858 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $34,240, while senior hvac technicians with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $83,460. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

HVAC Technician Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level hvac technician earns around $34,240, while experienced professionals earn up to $83,460 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$34,240
+$2,240 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$55,640
+$3,640 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$83,460
+$5,460 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $35,524
25th Percentile $43,656
Median (50th) $54,987
75th Percentile $71,476
90th Percentile $88,382

HVAC Technician Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$55,501
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$48,821
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$43,682
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$42,140
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a HVAC Technician in Chicago

Education

Most hvac technician positions require a postsecondary nondegree award. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

HVAC SystemsRefrigerationElectrical BasicsTroubleshootingEPA CertificationCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, hvac technician employment is projected to grow 5% over the next decade (faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find HVAC Technician Jobs in Chicago

Browse open hvac technician positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: HVAC Technician Salary in Chicago

How much does a HVAC Technician make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median hvac technician salary in Chicago, Illinois is $54,987 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $51,390. Salaries range from $35,524 (10th percentile) to $88,382 (90th percentile).
How much does a HVAC Technician make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $54,987, a hvac technician in Chicago earns approximately $26 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for hvac technician pay? ▼
Chicago's median hvac technician salary of $54,987 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $48,821. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a hvac technician salary of $54,987 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a hvac technician in Chicago? ▼
Most hvac technician positions in Chicago require a postsecondary nondegree award. Key skills include HVAC Systems, Refrigeration, Electrical Basics, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 5% nationally over the next decade.