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.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

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
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 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.
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.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Collinsville
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| 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
| Role | Median 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 |
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 (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.75/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.77/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.69/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.21/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.45/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.04/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.49/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.77/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.10/hr | Projected |
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 (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Collinsville metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 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.
More salary data for Collinsville, IL:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Collinsville, IL
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Collinsville, IL
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Collinsville, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Collinsville in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Collinsville?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Collinsville paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Collinsville?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Collinsville?
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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
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).
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