Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Plainfield, IL: $34.37 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Plainfield, IL runs $34.37 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $71,503 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Plainfield'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 Plainfield, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer hourly rate stands at $34.37, marking a significant increase compared to the national average of $28.93. This higher rate benefits both part-time workers, who might typically work three days a week, and per-diem employees engaged in various settings like residential service routes or commercial mechanical rooms. With an hourly range from $24.49 for entry-level positions to $52.72 for top earners, these mechanics can expect generous pay reflective of their specialized skills and certifications, such as EPA Section 608 and NATE. The financial prospects are appealing for self-employed contractors, especially during peak season, where hourly rates can surge significantly. Estimations based on BLS data indicate a robust local demand for HVAC professionals and competitive earnings characterized by the variability across different types of employers and work settings.
About the Plainfield 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) | $28.42 | $227.32 |
| Median (P50) | $34.37 | $275.00 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $43.32 | $346.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $52.72 | $421.76 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Plainfield
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 Plainfield, 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 Plainfield.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Plainfield
| 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 (Plainfield) | $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 Plainfield, IL earn a median of $71,503 per year (2026 est.), which is 18.83% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $73,943.
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 Plainfield (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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield 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 Plainfield
Evaluating the potential earnings for a part-time mechanic in Plainfield reveals that consistent work at 24 hours per week could yield substantial annual income compared to full-time counterparts. Per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer pay in the area can range widely, with travel techs earning daily stipends of $80-$150 on top of their hourly pay between $30-$55. Additionally, residential service calls can command minimums from $90 to $180, while self-employed professionals operating in high-cost-of-living areas might secure effective rates of $90-$160 per hour. Different employer types, from residential service companies to commercial contractors, influence hourly rates as well, with some technicians sacrificing higher pay for health insurance benefits. Mechanics should negotiate effectively by considering such trade-offs to maximize their compensation while understanding the local HVAC market in Plainfield, IL.
More salary data for Plainfield, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Plainfield in 2026?
How much do part-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Plainfield?
Are heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Plainfield paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per year in Plainfield?
Do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers earn more per hour working part-time in Plainfield?
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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 Plainfield. 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 Plainfield 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