HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Carpentersville, IL: $34.67 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Carpentersville, IL runs $34.67 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,105 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Carpentersville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.70 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,263 per year.

$72,105
Median Annual Salary
$34.67/hr
Hourly Rate
$50,496
Entry Level (P10)
$111,751
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Carpentersville, IL — 2026 est., based on 2025 BLS
Carpentersville, IL heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate overview (2026 est., based on 2025 BLS)

In Carpentersville, Illinois, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median hourly rate of $34.67, surpassing the national median of $28.93 by a significant margin. This strong hourly pay reflects the demand for skilled technicians across various settings, including residential service calls, commercial building systems, and refrigeration units in supermarkets. For part-time workers operating three days a week, this earning potential translates into stability, especially as they balance schedules around family commitments or supplementary jobs. Entry-level positions might start around $24.27 per hour, while experienced technicians can earn up to $53.73, highlighting a broad spectrum of opportunities in this field.

About the Carpentersville Market

Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Wage Breakdown

PercentileHourly RatePer 8hr Shift
Entry Level (P10)$24.27$194.18
Lower Range (P25)$28.24$225.91
Median (P50)$34.67$277.32
Upper Range (P75)$44.04$352.32
Top Earners (P90)$53.73$429.81

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Carpentersville

Based on $34.67/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Carpentersville earning $34.67/hr would make approximately $41,599 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $72,104 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$41,599Reduced (32 hr/wk)$55,465Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$72,104

At $34.67/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Carpentersville, IL can expect to earn approximately $72,104 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,599. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Carpentersville.

Annual estimates assume 5052 working weeks per year. Actual earnings vary by employer, overtime, and benefits.

Hourly Rate Calculator

$277.32
per 8hr shift
$1,386.62
per week
$6,009
per month
$72,104
per year

Schedule Comparison in Carpentersville

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,386.62$6,009$72,104
Part-Time (24 hrs)$831.97$3,605$43,263
Per Diem (16 hrs)$554.65$2,403$28,842

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Carpentersville)$34.67
Electrician (National Avg)$31.97
Plumber (National Avg)$32.85
Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg)$29.53
Auto Service Technician (National Avg)$24.83
Horizontal bar chart comparing heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer median salary in Carpentersville ($72,105) with Illinois average ($73,954) and the US national median ($60,174).Carpentersville$72,105Illinois Avg$73,954-2.50%US National$60,174+19.83%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Carpentersville, IL earn a median of $72,105 per year (2026 est.), which is 19.83% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.50% below the Illinois state average of $73,954.

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living

Working 24h/week at $34.67/hr = $43,263/year (purchasing power: $44,555).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,104/year (purchasing power: $74,258).

CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.

2019 BLS Actual

$26.67/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$33.39/hr

2026 Current Est.

$34.67/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Carpentersville (20192027)

2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.

BLS Actual Estimated Projected
Hourly rate trajectory chart for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville. Baseline $26.67/hr in 2025, projected to $35.99/hr by 2027.$25$28$31$35$382019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.67$27.69$26.61$28.13$31.36$30.95$33.39$34.67$35.99
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$26.67/hrActual
2020$27.69/hrActual
2021$26.61/hrActual
2022$28.13/hrActual
2023$31.36/hrActual
2024$30.95/hrActual
2025$33.39/hrActual
2026(current)$34.67/hrEstimated
2027$35.99/hrProjected

Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville grew 25.2% from $26.67/hr (2019) to $33.39/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.99/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.

Note: Historical values (20192025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carpentersville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 20262026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 3.82% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.

Working as an Hourly Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer in Carpentersville

Looking deeper into the financial landscape, part-time mechanics working 24 hours a week could anticipate earning around $43,646 annually, a substantial difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics in Carpentersville often find themselves on lucrative projects that pay between $30 and $55 per hour, along with daily per-diem amounts ranging from $80 to $150 for out-of-town work. Self-employed contractors in high-cost living areas can achieve even higher rates, with earnings of $90 to $160 per hour during peak seasons. Different employer types, from residential service companies to commercial HVAC firms, often have distinct hourly rates and benefits structures, making negotiation important. Mechanics with access to health insurance might accept lower pay to ensure coverage, while those without may prioritize higher rates despite the risks. Understanding these dynamics is crucial for HVAC professionals in Carpentersville, especially as the market evolves with emerging technologies and regulatory changes.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville in 2026?

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville is $34.67/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $24.27 at entry level (10th percentile) to $53.73 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 19.8% above the national average. Hourly pay varies based on practice type, patient volume, years of experience, and whether the position includes benefits.

How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Carpentersville?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Carpentersville earns approximately $3,605/month, or $43,263/year at the median hourly rate of $34.67. Many heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers prefer part-time schedules for work-life balance, and some work at multiple practices to maximize earnings. Part-time positions may not include benefits like health insurance or retirement contributions, but typically offer higher hourly rates to compensate.

Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville are paid hourly at a median rate of $34.67/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $72,104/year, often bundled with benefits including health insurance, paid time off, retirement plans, and continuing education allowances. Hourly pay gives flexibility, while salary positions provide income stability.

How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Carpentersville?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Carpentersville earns approximately $72,104/year at the median hourly rate of $34.67. This is 19.8% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $111,752/year at the 90th percentile rate. Overtime and weekend shifts may further increase annual earnings.

Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Carpentersville?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $53.73/hour — because practices need flexible coverage for specific days or peak hours. However, part-time positions typically do not include benefits like health insurance, paid time off, or retirement contributions. When factoring in the value of benefits, full-time salaried positions may offer comparable or better total compensation despite a slightly lower hourly rate.

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JL

Written by Jordan Lee, HVAC Technician

Career Analyst

Jordan has 10 years of experience in HVAC systems. He specializes in residential installation and maintenance.

Clinically reviewed by Maria Gonzalez, HVAC InstructorData verified by David Patel, HVAC Supervisor

Methodology & Data Source

Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Carpentersville. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.

Data Sources & Methodology

Salary data for Carpentersville is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).

View estimation methodology

2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 3.82%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installers (SOC 49-9021).

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

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