Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Carbondale, IL: $69,264 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Carbondale, IL earns a median $69,264/year (≈ $33.30/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Carbondale's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $71,333 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carbondale, Illinois, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers can expect a median annual salary of $69,264 in 2026, which significantly exceeds the national median of $60,174 by about 15.11%. The salary range for this occupation locally spans from $51,092 at the 10th percentile to $102,714 at the 90th percentile, indicating a diverse earning potential based on expertise and specialization. These figures represent local estimates derived from 2025 BLS state-level data, adjusted for regional price parities. Given the unique climate and seasonal demands in Carbondale, professionals in this field may find consistent opportunities, particularly in residential service roles where commission structures can enhance overall compensation.
About the Carbondale Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,092 | $24.56 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $58,139 | $27.95 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $69,264 | $33.30 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $85,957 | $41.32 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $102,714 | $49.38 |
Median Salary Position
15.11% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carbondale
In Carbondale, IL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $51,622 (2026 est.). At $69,264, the local median is 15.11% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carbondale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carbondale Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Carbondale median: $69,264/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carbondale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $73,921 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +15.11% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Carbondale, IL earn a median of $69,264 per year (2026 est.), which is 15.11% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $73,921.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carbondale 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.
Carbondale, 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 $69,264 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $71,333 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$47,230
2025 BLS Actual
$66,715
2026 Current Est.
$69,264
2019–2027 Growth
+52.3%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $47,230 | Actual |
| 2020 | $49,860 | Actual |
| 2021 | $44,510 | Actual |
| 2022 | $48,680 | Actual |
| 2023 | $60,820 | Actual |
| 2024 | $61,845 | Actual |
| 2025 | $66,715 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $69,264 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $71,909 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carbondale metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 41.3% from $47,230 (2019) to $66,715 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $71,909 by 2027 — a total increase of $24,679 (52.25%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carbondale 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) | $51,092 – $58,139 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $58,139 – $69,264 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $69,264 – $85,957 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $85,957 – $102,714 |
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 Carbondale
The job market in Carbondale currently supports five heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, reflecting a limited supply that can lead to competitive wages. With a cost-of-living index at 97.1, salaries can translate into strong purchasing power, allowing for a comfortable lifestyle in this region. Notably, employers such as Carrier dealers and Trane Comfort Specialists may offer more competitive pay compared to small-scale operations. The broad pay spectrum here can also be influenced by specializations such as commercial HVAC systems or unique certifications like NATE and state contractor licenses. Those seeking to maximize their earnings should consider diversifying skills to meet the demand for heat pump installations driven by IRA tax credits, while also leveraging residential service commissions to substantially increase pay in high-demand situations.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Carbondale, IL
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Carbondale, IL
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Carbondale, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Carbondale, IL in 2026?
Is Carbondale, 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 Carbondale?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Carbondale?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Carbondale?
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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 $66,715 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Carbondale 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 Carbondale 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