Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Galesburg, IL: $70,148 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Galesburg, IL earns a median $70,148/year (≈ $33.72/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Galesburg's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $72,243 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 5.1% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the projected median annual salary for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers in Galesburg is $70,148, which represents a significant advantage over the national median of $60,174. This local salary range spans from $48,079 at the 10th percentile to $107,487 at the 90th, reflecting varying levels of expertise and experience among workers in this field. The increasing focus on heat pump installations spurred by the IRA tax credits is driving local demand for skilled HVAC professionals, leading to competitive hiring practices in the area. As Galesburg's job market continues to evolve, these salary figures highlight a promising financial outlook for those entering or advancing in this HVAC sector.
About the Galesburg Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $48,079 | $23.11 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,371 | $27.10 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $70,148 | $33.72 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $88,360 | $42.48 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $107,487 | $51.68 |
Median Salary Position
16.58% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Galesburg
In Galesburg, IL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $59,408 (2026 est.). At $70,148, the local median is 16.58% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Galesburg: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Galesburg Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Galesburg median: $70,148/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Galesburg Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $73,918 | -5.10% less |
| National Average | $60,174 | +16.58% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Galesburg, IL earn a median of $70,148 per year (2026 est.), which is 16.58% higher than the national median of $60,174 and 5.10% below the Illinois state average of $73,918.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Galesburg 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.
Galesburg, 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 $70,148 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $72,243 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$53,967
2025 BLS Actual
$67,567
2026 Current Est.
$70,148
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Galesburg (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $53,967 | Actual |
| 2020 | $56,027 | Actual |
| 2021 | $53,856 | Actual |
| 2022 | $56,913 | Actual |
| 2023 | $63,458 | Actual |
| 2024 | $62,636 | Actual |
| 2025 | $67,567 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $70,148 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $72,828 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Galesburg metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $53,967 (2019) to $67,567 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $72,828 by 2027 — a total increase of $18,861 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Galesburg 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) | $48,079 – $56,371 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,371 – $70,148 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $70,148 – $88,360 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $88,360 – $107,487 |
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 Galesburg
The job market in Galesburg features a modest workforce of four heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers, indicating relatively low competition for positions. With a cost-of-living index of 97.1, compensation levels allow for reasonable purchasing power, yet there’s room for negotiation depending on the sector. Employers that tend to pay top dollar include commercial HVAC contractors servicing industrial sites and hospitals, as well as self-employed contractors who can leverage their reputation and expertise. The disparity in wages often arises from specialized skills in areas like data center cooling systems, and the commission structures prevalent at residential service companies can significantly boost earnings for high-volume technicians. Professionals looking to maximize their pay in Galesburg should consider obtaining manufacturer certifications, like NATE or becoming a Carrier Distinguished Dealer, as well as pursuing residential service tech roles where commission opportunities abound, particularly with the ongoing growth in heat pump demand.
More salary data for Galesburg, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Galesburg?
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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 $67,567 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Galesburg 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 Galesburg 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