Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $34.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Des Plaines, IL runs $34.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,489 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $35.40 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,900 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Des Plaines, Illinois, earn a median hourly pay of $34.37, significantly surpassing the national median of $28.93. This difference illustrates the local demand for skilled professionals in this field, driven by the growing need for heating and cooling systems in both residential and commercial settings. For those working part-time, such as a typical 3-day work week, this translates to approximately $26,336 annually if working 24 hours per week. Entry-level technicians can expect to earn around $22.77 per hour, while top earners can make as much as $52.94 per hour, reflecting a robust earning potential as they gain experience and expertise. Typical employment environments range from servicing residential units to handling complex mechanical installations in commercial buildings, often involving varying responsibilities that influence compensation.
About the Des Plaines 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) | $22.77 | $182.14 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $26.39 | $211.13 |
| Median (P50) | $34.37 | $275.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.15 | $345.18 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.94 | $423.50 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $34.37/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $34.37/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $71,500 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $41,250. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,374.99 | $5,958 | $71,500 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $825.00 | $3,575 | $42,900 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $550.00 | $2,383 | $28,600 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Des Plaines) | $34.37 |
| 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 Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $71,489 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.80% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $73,929.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $34.37/hr = $42,900/year (purchasing power: $44,181).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $71,500/year (purchasing power: $73,635).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.45/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$33.11/hr
2026 Current Est.
$34.37/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.45/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.46/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.39/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.89/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $31.10/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.69/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $33.11/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $34.37/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.69/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 Des Plaines grew 25.2% from $26.45/hr (2019) to $33.11/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.69/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 Des Plaines 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 Des Plaines
Shifting focus to the part-time earning potential, a 3-day work schedule for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer means a take-home pay that is lower than full-time counterparts, highlighting income stability versus flexibility. For those pursuing per-diem roles, like travel HVAC technicians, daily rates can range from $80 to $150, with base pay often between $30 and $55 per hour, cashing in during larger commercial projects. Residential service calls may command minimum charges of $90 to $180, incentivizing contractors to maximize their efficiency. Employers in Des Plaines vary from residential service companies and commercial contractors to data center operations and manufacturers, each affecting hourly pay rates accordingly. While many technicians consider the trade-off between health benefits and hourly rate, it's essential to negotiate effectively based on market trends and personal skills, especially with the increase in residential demand due to the heat pump installation boom driven by IRA tax credits and the aging workforce in the HVAC industry.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Des Plaines in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Des Plaines?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Des Plaines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Des Plaines?
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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 Des Plaines. 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 Des Plaines 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