Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL: $72,599 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Buffalo Grove, IL earns a median $72,599/year (≈ $34.90/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Buffalo Grove's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $74,767 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.8% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Buffalo Grove, Illinois, the salary landscape for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers offers significant opportunities for those engaged in both commercial and residential sectors. With a median salary projected at $72,599 for 2026, professionals in this field earn considerably more than the national median of $60,174. The salary range spans from $51,589 at the 10th percentile to $112,528 for those at the 90th percentile, reflecting the disparity in compensation based on specialization and the type of work. Local estimates derived from 2025 BLS data and regional price adjustments highlight the demand for skilled technicians amidst a growing market. This is particularly relevant in Buffalo Grove, where robust job growth trends are expected as the industry evolves.
About the Buffalo Grove Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,589 | $24.80 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $59,748 | $28.73 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $72,599 | $34.90 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,578 | $42.59 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $112,528 | $54.10 |
Median Salary Position
20.65% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Buffalo Grove
In Buffalo Grove, IL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $60,939 (2026 est.). At $72,599, the local median is 20.65% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Buffalo Grove: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Buffalo Grove Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Buffalo Grove median: $72,599/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Buffalo Grove Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $73,930 | -1.80% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +20.65% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Buffalo Grove, IL earn a median of $72,599 per year (2026 est.), which is 20.65% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 1.80% below the Illinois state average of $73,930.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Buffalo Grove has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Buffalo Grove, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer earning $72,599 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $74,767 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$55,853
2025 BLS Actual
$69,928
2026 Current Est.
$72,599
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Buffalo Grove (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $55,853 | Actual |
| 2020 | $57,985 | Actual |
| 2021 | $55,738 | Actual |
| 2022 | $58,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $65,676 | Actual |
| 2024 | $64,823 | Actual |
| 2025 | $69,928 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $72,599 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $75,373 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $55,853 (2019) to $69,928 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $75,373 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,520 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Buffalo 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $51,589 – $59,748 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $59,748 – $72,599 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $72,599 – $88,578 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,578 – $112,528 |
HACR salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Job Market in Buffalo Grove
As of the latest data, seven heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers are employed in Buffalo Grove, indicating a tightly-knit community of professionals. The cost of living index in the area stands at 97.1, suggesting that while salaries are competitive, they are tempered by reasonable living expenses, enhancing purchasing power for residents. Top employers range from commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial buildings and data centers to residential service companies that can offer higher pay through commission-based structures. The disparity in pay often correlates with specialization, with those focusing on high-demand areas such as data center precision cooling or advanced HVAC controls potentially earning more. The ongoing demand for heat pump installations, bolstered by incentives from tax credits, adds further potential for income growth as the workforce adapts to new technologies. Those aiming to maximize their earnings in Buffalo Grove should consider pursuing specialized certifications, maintenance of state licenses, and leveraging commission-driven opportunities in the residential market to achieve upward mobility within this competitive field.
More salary data for Buffalo Grove, IL:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Buffalo Grove, IL
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Buffalo Grove, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Buffalo Grove, IL in 2026?
Is Buffalo Grove, IL a good place to work as a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer?
Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Buffalo Grove?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Buffalo Grove?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Buffalo 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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $69,928 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Buffalo Grove metropolitan area. A 3.82% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Buffalo 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