Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Elgin, IL: $36.64 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Elgin, IL runs $36.64 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $76,205 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Elgin's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $37.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $45,724 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Elgin, Illinois, the hourly pay for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers stands at $36.64, significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $28.93. This figure reflects not only the demand for skilled technicians in residential service routes and commercial settings but also the opportunities for part-time and per-diem work. For instance, a worker on a part-time schedule of three days a week could earn a substantial income without the full commitment of a standard weekly schedule. The hourly rates in Elgin range from $24.49 for entry-level positions to $56.79 for top earners, allowing for various pathways depending on experience and specialization. These figures are derived from annual salary estimates, reinforcing the need for precise financial planning for both self-employed contractors and those in full-time employment.
About the Elgin 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) | $24.49 | $195.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $28.49 | $227.91 |
| Median (P50) | $36.64 | $293.10 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $46.90 | $375.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $56.79 | $454.32 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Elgin
Based on $36.64/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $36.64/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Elgin, IL can expect to earn approximately $76,207 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $43,966. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Elgin.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Elgin
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,465.52 | $6,351 | $76,207 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $879.31 | $3,810 | $45,724 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $586.21 | $2,540 | $30,483 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Elgin) | $36.64 |
| 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 Elgin, IL earn a median of $76,205 per year (2026 est.), which is 26.64% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.10% above the Illinois state average of $73,914.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $36.64/hr = $45,724/year (purchasing power: $47,090).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $76,207/year (purchasing power: $78,483).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$28.19/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$35.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$36.64/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $28.19/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $29.26/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $28.13/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $29.73/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $33.14/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.78/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $35.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $36.64/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $38.04/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 Elgin grew 25.2% from $28.19/hr (2019) to $35.29/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $38.04/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 Elgin 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 Elgin
Focusing on part-time earning potential, an HVAC technician working 24 hours per week could receive about $45,000 annually, a notable difference compared to their full-time counterparts. Moreover, per diem arrangements for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics typically allow for additional daily bonuses, ranging from $80 to $150, making travel positions especially lucrative. Even in residential service calls, the minimum earnings can range from $90 to $180, showcasing the variation based on employer type—whether in residential franchises, commercial contracts, or specialty refrigeration companies. While self-employed contractors in higher cost-of-living areas may clear $90 to $160 an hour during peak seasons, many opt for lower hourly rates with benefits like health insurance, balancing earnings with job security. Negotiating for hourly wages in Elgin often requires techs to assess their benefits against potential pay without health coverage, thus tailoring their work agreements toward their personal and financial needs.
More salary data for Elgin, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Elgin in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Elgin?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Elgin paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Elgin?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Elgin?
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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 Elgin. 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 Elgin 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