Champaign vs Waukegan: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Champaign, IL and Waukegan, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Waukegan, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $73,853 | $74,055▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $35.51 | $35.60▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,938 | $47,291▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $59,454▲ | $57,153 |
| 75th Percentile | $89,842 | $93,255▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $110,129 | $114,785▲ |
| Total Employed | 240▲ | 18 |
Verdict
Waukegan, IL offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Champaign and Waukegan is $202 (0.27%). Waukegan's median is +23.07% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $63,191,Waukegan spans $67,494. Waukegan has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($79,665 effective) pays 4.46% more than Waukegan ($76,267 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Larger job market (240 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,665)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Waukegan if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($74,055/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($114,785)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries in Champaign grew 38.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 7.9% growth in Waukegan over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$51,300 (2019) → $71,136 (2025)
Waukegan, IL
$66,123 (2024) → $71,330 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Waukegan, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Champaign or Waukegan?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Waukegan?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Waukegan as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Champaign vs Waukegan?
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Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician
Career Analyst
Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 3.82% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician, a licensed heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov