Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Galesburg, IL: $33.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Galesburg, IL runs $33.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $70,148 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Galesburg's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $34.73 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $42,083 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Galesburg, Illinois, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly pay is projected at $33.72 for 2026, significantly higher than the national average of $28.93. This competitive hourly rate positions local technicians well for part-time roles, such as those working three days a week—where they could expect earnings of about $25,000 annually based on 24-hour workweeks. Those engaged in per-diem positions, whether servicing residential setups or handling commercial jobs in varying environments—like mechanical rooms or supermarket refrigeration—can also find lucrative opportunities in Galesburg. Entry-level technicians may start at approximately $23.11 per hour, while the most seasoned professionals could earn as much as $51.68 per hour, reflecting the broad range of experience and responsibilities within the field.
About the Galesburg 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) | $23.11 | $184.88 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.10 | $216.78 |
| Median (P50) | $33.72 | $269.77 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $42.48 | $339.87 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $51.68 | $413.45 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Galesburg
Based on $33.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $33.72/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Galesburg, IL can expect to earn approximately $70,139 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $40,465. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Galesburg.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Galesburg
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,348.83 | $5,845 | $70,139 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $809.30 | $3,507 | $42,083 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $539.53 | $2,338 | $28,056 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Galesburg) | $33.72 |
| 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 Galesburg, IL earn a median of $70,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.58% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $73,918.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $33.72/hr = $42,083/year (purchasing power: $43,340).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $70,139/year (purchasing power: $72,234).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$25.94/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$32.48/hr
2026 Current Est.
$33.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $25.94/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $26.93/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $25.89/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $27.36/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $30.50/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $30.11/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $32.48/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $33.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $35.01/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 Galesburg grew 25.2% from $25.94/hr (2019) to $32.48/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $35.01/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 Galesburg 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 Galesburg
For part-time workers, earning potential appears attractive compared to full-timers; working 24 hours a week can yield substantial income while enjoying a more flexible schedule. Furthermore, per-diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in Galesburg averages between $30 to $55 per hour when working agency assignments, coupled with daily per-diem rates ranging from $80 to $150. Residential service call minimums of $90 to $180 are also common. Earnings can vary significantly based on employer type; contractors servicing data centers might provide stable salaries with overtime, whereas residential companies might pay on commission. While some technicians might choose lower hourly rates for associated benefits like health insurance, others may opt for higher rates with fewer benefits. Whether negotiating hourly pay or discussing benefit packages, staying informed about local market trends can give workers in Galesburg a vital edge in their salary discussions.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Galesburg in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Galesburg?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Galesburg paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Galesburg?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Galesburg?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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 Galesburg. 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 Galesburg 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