Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Downers Grove, IL: $33.92 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Downers Grove, IL runs $33.92 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,550 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Downers Grove's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.93 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,330 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Downers Grove, Illinois, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn a median hourly rate of $33.92, significantly outpacing the national hourly median of $28.93, indicating a robust market for professionals in this field. This hourly pay structure allows for flexibility for those opting for part-time employment or per-diem positions. Working just three days a week could yield a steady income while catering to various on-site job settings, such as residential service routes or commercial refrigeration units in supermarkets. The hourly range for these roles starts at approximately $23.56 for entry-level positions and can peak at around $52.34 for experienced technicians, highlighting a promising growth trajectory within this trade.
About the Downers Grove 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) | $23.56 | $188.45 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.49 | $219.93 |
| Median (P50) | $33.92 | $271.34 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.95 | $343.60 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.34 | $418.69 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Downers Grove
Based on $33.92/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.92/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Downers Grove, IL can expect to earn approximately $70,549 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,702. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Downers Grove.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Downers Grove
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,356.72 | $5,879 | $70,549 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $814.03 | $3,527 | $42,330 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $542.69 | $2,352 | $28,220 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Downers Grove) | $33.92 |
| 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 Downers Grove, IL earn a median of $70,550 per year (2026 est.), which is 17.24% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 4.60% below the Illinois state average of $73,952.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.92/hr = $42,330/year (purchasing power: $43,594).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,549/year (purchasing power: $72,656).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$26.09/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.92/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Downers Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $26.09/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $27.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $26.04/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.52/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.68/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.29/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.92/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.21/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 Downers Grove grew 25.2% from $26.09/hr (2019) to $32.67/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.21/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 Downers Grove 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 Downers Grove
When examining the earning prospects in Downers Grove, part-time HVAC mechanics and installers working 24 hours a week could expect an annual income considerably lower than their full-time counterparts, emphasizing the financial trade-offs of reduced hours. Per-diem roles present lucrative opportunities as they often include additional compensation of $80-$150 per day for travel work, on top of hourly wages that range from $30 to $55. Residential service calls can command minimum charges of $90-$180, allowing for substantial earnings during peak season, especially for self-employed contractors. In addition, how employers—including residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and manufacturers—affect hourly wages varies widely. Most contractors between office benefits and hourly pay structures play a pivotal role in attracting talent, motivating many to pursue hourly positions with health benefits versus higher pay alone. Understanding these factors is essential for HVAC professionals navigating their career paths in Downers Grove.
More salary data for Downers Grove, IL:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Downers Grove, IL
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Downers Grove, IL
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Downers Grove, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Downers Grove in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Downers Grove?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Downers Grove paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Downers Grove?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Downers Grove?
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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 Downers Grove. 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 Downers Grove 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