Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay in Waukegan, IL: $35.60 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working in Waukegan, IL runs $35.60 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $74,055 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Weighted against Waukegan's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $36.66 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $44,429 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Waukegan, Illinois, professionals in the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer field can expect a median hourly pay of $35.60, which is significantly higher than the national median hourly rate of $28.93. This robust hourly rate allows individuals to thrive whether they work full-time or as part-time technicians, with many choosing flexible schedules, such as three days a week, to balance personal commitments. For those in per-diem roles, like technicians servicing commercial projects, the pay potential may shift greatly, often depending on the complexity of the job and location. Entry-level positions typically start around $22.74 per hour, while top earners can command up to $55.18, indicating a healthy range that reflects varying levels of experience and expertise in the field.
About the Waukegan 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) | $22.74 | $181.89 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $27.48 | $219.85 |
| Median (P50) | $35.60 | $284.80 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $44.83 | $358.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $55.18 | $441.44 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Waukegan
Based on $35.60/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $35.60/hr, a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Waukegan, IL can expect to earn approximately $74,048 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $42,720. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Waukegan.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Waukegan
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,424.00 | $6,171 | $74,048 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $854.40 | $3,702 | $44,429 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $569.60 | $2,468 | $29,619 |
Compare HACR Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer (Waukegan) | $35.60 |
| 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 Waukegan, IL earn a median of $74,055 per year (2026 est.), which is 23.07% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.10% above the Illinois state average of $73,981.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $35.60/hr = $44,429/year (purchasing power: $45,756).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $74,048/year (purchasing power: $76,259).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$27.39/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$34.29/hr
2026 Current Est.
$35.60/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Waukegan (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $27.39/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $28.43/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $27.33/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $28.88/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $32.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $31.79/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $34.29/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $35.60/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $36.96/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 Waukegan grew 25.2% from $27.39/hr (2019) to $34.29/hr (2025). At a 3.82% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $36.96/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 Waukegan 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 Waukegan
The earning potential for those working part-time in Waukegan can still yield significant returns. A technician working three days a week could take home an estimated annual income that remains competitive, factoring in a smaller number of billable hours. Moreover, per diem heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers face diverse opportunities; they may receive additional compensation of $80 to $150 per day on top of a base pay ranging from $30 to $55 per hour during assignments. Various employer types, including residential service companies, commercial HVAC contractors, and self-employed contractors, influence how hourly pay is structured. While larger franchises may offer more predictable benefits, self-employed technicians could earn rates between $90 and $160 per hour, especially during peak seasons. When negotiating pay, it’s advisable for technicians to weigh the hourly rate against benefits like insurance, which can significantly impact overall compensation in this industry.
More salary data for Waukegan, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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 Waukegan. 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 Waukegan 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