Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Evanston, IL: $73,534 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Evanston, IL earns a median $73,534/year (≈ $35.35/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Evanston's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $75,730 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Evanston, IL, can expect a median salary of $73,534, which reflects an attractive 22.20% increase over the national median of $60,174. Salaries in the region vary significantly, with the lowest earners making approximately $46,121 and the highest reaching $113,977. These figures are drawn from 2025 BLS OEWS data, projected to 2026, reflecting local cost adjustments. The growing emphasis on heat pump installations and the associated IRA tax credits are creating a surge in demand for skilled technicians, reshaping hiring practices in Evanston. Such trends highlight the opportunities for professionals trained in emerging technologies and specialized certifications.
About the Evanston Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,121 | $22.18 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,123 | $26.98 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,534 | $35.35 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $94,123 | $45.26 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,977 | $54.80 |
Median Salary Position
22.20% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Evanston
In Evanston, IL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $67,856 (2026 est.). At $73,534, the local median is 22.2% above the national median of $60,174.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Evanston: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Evanston Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Evanston median: $73,534/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Evanston Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $73,977 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +22.20% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Evanston, IL earn a median of $73,534 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.20% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $73,977.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Evanston 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.
Evanston, 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 $73,534 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $75,730 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,572
2025 BLS Actual
$70,828
2026 Current Est.
$73,534
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Evanston (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,572 | Actual |
| 2020 | $58,731 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,456 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,660 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,521 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,658 | Actual |
| 2025 | $70,828 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,534 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,343 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Evanston metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $56,572 (2019) to $70,828 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,343 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,771 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Evanston 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) | $46,121 – $56,123 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,123 – $73,534 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,534 – $94,123 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $94,123 – $113,977 |
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 Evanston
The local job market is buoyed by 16 employed mechanics and installers, underscoring a niche yet competitive industry in Evanston. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, the purchasing power of these salaries is relatively favorable, giving employees a stable financial footing in the area. Leading employers include residential service companies like ARS / Rescue Rooter and large commercial HVAC contractors, which often pay higher salaries for specialized skills, such as data center precision cooling and commercial controls. The disparity in pay can often be attributed to commission structures at residential service firms, where technicians can experience significant earnings based on performance and workload. Licensing, brand-specific certifications, and demand for services related to heat pump and EV equipment are critical factors driving compensation levels. For those in Evanston, seeking ongoing training and expanding their credentials can open doors to higher-paying opportunities in this evolving industry.
More salary data for Evanston, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Evanston, IL in 2026?
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Can heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make $100K in Evanston?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Evanston?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Evanston?
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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 $70,828 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Evanston 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 Evanston 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