Chicago vs Champaign: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Chicago, IL and Champaign, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Champaign, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,891▲ | $73,853 |
| Hourly Rate | $36.97▲ | $35.51 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,809 | $46,938▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $60,214▲ | $59,454 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,464▲ | $89,842 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,323▲ | $110,129 |
| Total Employed | 7,210▲ | 240 |
Verdict
Chicago, IL offers better overall compensation for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, winning 4 out of 4 metrics compared to Champaign.
The salary gap between Chicago and Champaign is $3,038 (4.11%). Chicago's median is +27.78% compared to the US national median of $60,174.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Chicago spans $69,514,Champaign spans $63,191. Chicago has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($79,665 effective) pays 7.33% more than Chicago ($74,223 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Chicago if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,891/year)
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,323)
- ✓Larger job market (7,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $79,665)
- ✓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 Chicago grew 21.9% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 38.7% growth in Champaign over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$60,780 (2019) → $74,062 (2025)
Champaign, IL
$51,300 (2019) → $71,136 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Champaign, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Chicago or Champaign?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Champaign?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Champaign as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
What do entry-level heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers earn in Chicago vs Champaign?
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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