Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mount Prospect, IL: $73,914 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer in Mount Prospect, IL earns a median $73,914/year (≈ $35.54/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Once you factor in Mount Prospect's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $76,122 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.0% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Mount Prospect is projected to reach a median of $73,914, offering a competitive edge over the national average of $60,174. This salary range varies significantly from $46,974 at the lower end to as much as $113,863 at the upper echelons, reflecting the diverse opportunities available in the field. These estimates, based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for regional economic factors, highlight the local market's strong demand for skilled technicians. The ongoing growth in heat pump installations, spurred by IRA tax credits, is reshaping hiring practices in Mount Prospect, further positioning HVAC professionals to leverage new opportunities as energy-efficient solutions gain traction.
About the Mount Prospect Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($68,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $46,974 | $22.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $56,874 | $27.35 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $73,914 | $35.54 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $93,021 | $44.73 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $113,863 | $54.74 |
Median Salary Position
22.83% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Mount Prospect
In Mount Prospect, IL, the heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,889 (2026 est.). At $73,914, the local median is 22.83% above the national median of $60,174.
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At 40 hours/week in Mount Prospect: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Mount Prospect Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Pay Compares
Mount Prospect median: $73,914/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Mount Prospect Pays |
|---|---|---|
| National Average | $60,174 | +22.83% more |
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installers in Mount Prospect, IL earn a median of $73,914 per year (2026 est.), which is 22.83% higher than the national median of $60,174.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Mount Prospect 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.
Mount Prospect, 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 $73,914 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $76,122 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$56,864
2025 BLS Actual
$71,194
2026 Current Est.
$73,914
2019–2027 Growth
+34.9%
Salary Trajectory for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Mount Prospect (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 3.82% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $56,864 | Actual |
| 2020 | $59,035 | Actual |
| 2021 | $56,747 | Actual |
| 2022 | $59,968 | Actual |
| 2023 | $66,865 | Actual |
| 2024 | $65,998 | Actual |
| 2025 | $71,194 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $73,914 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $76,737 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Mount Prospect metropolitan area, the median heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary grew 25.2% from $56,864 (2019) to $71,194 (2025). At a 3.82% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $76,737 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,873 (34.95%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Mount Prospect 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) | $46,974 – $56,874 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $56,874 – $73,914 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $73,914 – $93,021 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $93,021 – $113,863 |
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 Mount Prospect
With currently only 13 heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers employed in Mount Prospect, the job market presents unique conditions influenced by both local demand and the cost of living, which sits at a favorable index of 97.1. Among local employers, commercial HVAC contractors and specialized refrigeration companies often offer higher pay due to the complexity and technical expertise required for their services. The salary disparities, which can be attributed to factors like commission structures in residential service roles or the additional skills necessary for precision cooling in data centers, can greatly affect take-home earnings. To maximize earning potential, technicians are encouraged to pursue brand-specific certifications such as NATE or those associated with leading manufacturers like Carrier and Trane. Given the expanding HVAC landscape and the need for specialized training amid transitions to new refrigerants, there are ample opportunities for skilled installers to enhance their compensation through continued education and expertise.
More salary data for Mount Prospect, IL:
- Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Hourly Rate in Mount Prospect, IL
- Entry-Level Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mount Prospect, IL
- Senior Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanic and Installer Salary in Mount Prospect, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers make in Mount Prospect, IL in 2026?
Is Mount Prospect, 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 Mount Prospect?
What is the cost-of-living adjusted heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer salary in Mount Prospect?
How much does a heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanic and installer make per hour in Mount Prospect?
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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 $71,194 for heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installersin the Mount Prospect 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 Mount Prospect 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