HVAC Technician salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$77,960/year
about $37.48 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $61,050 – $96,790
Half of hvac technicians in the Chicago metro area earn more than $77,960 a year and half earn less. That's 28% higher than the national median of $61,010, and ranks #6 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $47,460 | $22.82 |
| 25th | $61,050 | $29.35 |
| Median (50th) | $77,960 | $37.48 |
| 75th | $96,790 | $46.53 |
| 90th (top earners) | $117,940 | $56.70 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a hvac technician job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $61,050 ($29.35/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $61,050 to $96,790 ($29.35 to $46.53/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $96,790 ($46.53/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- EPA 608 certification is required to work with refrigerants, and more certifications usually mean more pay.
- Summer and winter peaks bring overtime. Ask how much is typical and how it's paid.
- Ask whether you get a company van, tools and paid on-call time.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC 49-9021). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.