Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $34.21 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in DeKalb, IL runs $34.21 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,158 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.23 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,692 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In DeKalb, Illinois, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay stands at a median rate of $34.21. This figure significantly outpaces the national hourly median of $28.93, reflecting a stronger local job market for HVAC professionals. For individuals working part-time, such as those on a typical three-day work schedule, the earnings can remain lucrative while providing flexibility. In residential service truck routes and commercial HVAC settings, mechanics might earn between $24.24 and $53.03 per hour, depending on their level of experience. This pay range creates diverse opportunities for both entry-level workers and seasoned veterans in the field, suggesting that a well-structured compensation model supports a range of skillsets and responsibilities.
About the DeKalb 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) | $24.24 | $193.94 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.08 | $224.67 |
| Median (P50) | $34.21 | $273.67 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $41.64 | $333.14 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $53.03 | $424.25 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $34.21/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.21/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $71,154 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,050. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,368.35 | $5,930 | $71,154 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $821.01 | $3,558 | $42,692 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $547.34 | $2,372 | $28,462 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (DeKalb) | $34.21 |
| 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 DeKalb, IL earn a median of $71,158 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.25% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $73,969.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.21/hr = $42,692/year (purchasing power: $43,968).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,154/year (purchasing power: $73,279).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.32/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.95/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.21/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.32/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.32/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.26/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.75/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.95/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.55/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.95/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.21/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.52/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 DeKalb grew 25.2% from $26.32/hr (2019) to $32.95/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.52/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 DeKalb 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 DeKalb
Exploring the financial implications for those in this industry reveals interesting nuances. A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working part-time at 24 hours per week could expect to take home around $42,136 annually, while full-time positions generally command greater income stability. Per diem opportunities for out-of-town commercial projects can provide an added layer of compensation, with travel techs often earning between $30 to $55 per hour plus $80 to $150 per day in per diem. Additionally, residential service calls may carry minimum fees from $90 to $180. Employers across various sectors in DeKalb—ranging from residential service companies to commercial HVAC operations—can impact hourly rates significantly. While some mechanics might choose positions with lower hourly wages to gain health benefits, self-employed contractors may command higher rates during peak seasons, making effective negotiation skills essential for establishing fair pay.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in DeKalb in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in DeKalb?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in DeKalb paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in DeKalb?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in DeKalb?
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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 DeKalb. 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 DeKalb 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