Chicago vs Peoria: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary (2026)
Compare heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salaries between Chicago, IL and Peoria, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Peoria, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $76,891 | $77,631▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.97 | $37.32▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,809▲ | $46,454 |
| 25th Percentile | $60,214▲ | $59,346 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,464 | $98,205▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,323▲ | $104,005 |
| Total Employed | 7,210▲ | 370 |
Verdict
Chicago and Peoria are closely matched on overall heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Chicago and Peoria is $740 (0.96%). Peoria's median is +29.01% 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,Peoria spans $57,551. 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, Peoria ($85,093 effective) pays 14.65% 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…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,323)
- ✓Larger job market (7,210 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Peoria if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($77,631/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $85,093)
- ✓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 20.8% growth in Peoria over the same period.
Chicago, IL
$60,780 (2019) → $74,062 (2025)
Peoria, IL
$61,890 (2019) → $74,775 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Chicago, IL
Peoria, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers more: Chicago or Peoria?
What is the hourly rate difference between Chicago and Peoria?
Should I relocate from Chicago to Peoria 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 Peoria?
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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