HVAC Tech Salary

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Collinsville, IL: $34.77 (2026)

Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Collinsville, IL runs $34.77 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $72,312 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Collinsville's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.81 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $43,392 per year.

$72,312
Median Annual Salary
$34.77/hr
Hourly Rate
$47,196
Entry Level (P10)
$108,020
Top Earners (P90)

Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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

In Collinsville, Illinois, the projected hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in 2026 is set at $34.77, significantly above the national median of $28.93. This higher compensation reflects the local demand for skilled technicians, many of whom service residential routes, commercial rooftop units, and specialized environments such as data centers and supermarket refrigeration systems. For part-time workers operating three days a week, this hourly rate translates to a solid income, while per-diem contractors on short-term jobs can effectively earn even more. The hourly range for this profession in Collinsville reflects entry-level pay starting at $22.70 and reaching up to $51.93 for the most experienced technicians, providing a spectrum of earning potential that accommodates various levels of expertise and commitment.

About the Collinsville 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)$22.70$181.56
Lower Range (P25)$27.10$216.78
Median (P50)$34.77$278.15
Upper Range (P75)$42.97$343.77
Top Earners (P90)$51.93$415.45

Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Collinsville

Based on $34.77/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.

Horizontal bars showing a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Collinsville earning $34.77/hr would make approximately $41,723 part-time (24 hr/wk) or $72,320 full-time (40 hr/wk).Part-Time (24 hr/wk)$41,723Reduced (32 hr/wk)$55,631Full-Time (40 hr/wk)$72,320

At $34.77/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Collinsville, IL can expect to earn approximately $72,320 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,723. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Collinsville.

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

Hourly Rate Calculator

$278.15
per 8hr shift
$1,390.77
per week
$6,027
per month
$72,320
per year

Schedule Comparison in Collinsville

ScheduleWeeklyMonthlyAnnual
Full-Time (40 hrs)$1,390.77$6,027$72,320
Part-Time (24 hrs)$834.46$3,616$43,392
Per Diem (16 hrs)$556.31$2,411$28,928

Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles

RoleMedian Hourly
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Collinsville)$34.77
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 Collinsville ($72,312) with Illinois average ($73,938) and the US national median ($60,174).Collinsville$72,312Illinois Avg$73,938-2.20%US National$60,174+20.17%

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Collinsville, IL earn a median of $72,312 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.17% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 2.20% below the Illinois state average of $73,938.

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

Working 24h/week at $34.77/hr = $43,392/year (purchasing power: $44,688).

Working 40h/week (full-time) = $72,320/year (purchasing power: $74,480).

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

2019 BLS Actual

$26.75/hr

2025 BLS Actual

$33.49/hr

2026 Current Est.

$34.77/hr

2019–2027 Growth

+34.9%

Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Collinsville (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 Collinsville. Baseline $26.75/hr in 2025, projected to $36.10/hr by 2027.$25$28$31$35$382019202020212022202320242025202620272025 BLS$26.75$27.77$26.69$28.21$31.45$31.04$33.49$34.77$36.10
YearHourly RateStatus
2019$26.75/hrActual
2020$27.77/hrActual
2021$26.69/hrActual
2022$28.21/hrActual
2023$31.45/hrActual
2024$31.04/hrActual
2025$33.49/hrActual
2026(current)$34.77/hrEstimated
2027$36.10/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 Collinsville grew 25.2% from $26.75/hr (2019) to $33.49/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.10/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 Collinsville 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 Collinsville

In terms of part-time earning power for those working in Collinsville, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working a standard 24-hour week could expect an annual income significantly lower than their full-time counterparts, yet still respectable when managed effectively. Per diem workers, particularly those engaging in out-of-town projects, can earn between $80 to $150 daily in addition to a base hourly wage that generally ranges from $30 to $55. For residential service calls, professionals may see minimum fees between $90 and $180, offering lucrative opportunities particularly in a high-cost living market. The hourly rates may vary greatly based on employer type, as residential service companies may offer lower rates with benefits, while larger commercial contractors often provide higher base pay without additional perks. Effective negotiation skills are crucial; appreciating the unique dynamics of Collinsville's heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate IL environment enables workers to optimize their career earnings while balancing workload and benefits.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

The estimated 2026 median hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Collinsville is $34.77/hour, based on estimated 2026 salary (projected from 2025 BLS data at 3.82% annual growth). Rates range from $22.70 at entry level (10th percentile) to $51.93 for experienced practitioners (90th percentile). This is 20.2% 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 Collinsville?

A part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 3 days per week (24 hours) in Collinsville earns approximately $3,616/month, or $43,392/year at the median hourly rate of $34.77. 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 Collinsville paid hourly or salary?

The majority of heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Collinsville are paid hourly at a median rate of $34.77/hour. Some full-time positions at larger practices or organizations offer salaried compensation around $72,320/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 Collinsville?

A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working 40 hours per week (2,080 hours/year) in Collinsville earns approximately $72,320/year at the median hourly rate of $34.77. This is 20.2% above the national median. Top earners working full-time can reach $108,016/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 Collinsville?

Part-time and per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Collinsville sometimes command higher hourly rates — up to $51.93/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 Collinsville. 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 Collinsville 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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