SalaryNode

Average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary in Champaign-Urbana, IL

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Champaign-Urbana, IL, command an impressive average annual salary of $69,380, significantly surpassing the national average of $62,480. This elevated pay is likely influenced by a combination of local demand dynamics and the specific skill requirements for maintaining climate control systems in the region's diverse infrastructure.

Executive Summary

  • Average Salary: $69,380 per year.
  • Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 23.2% over the last 5 years.
  • Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $109,000.
  • Outlook: With a local workforce of 210 professionals and a Location Quotient of 0.79, the Champaign-Urbana market for HVAC technicians indicates a stable, albeit slightly less concentrated, demand compared to national benchmarks. The presence of 2.021 jobs per 1,000 workers suggests a consistent need for these essential services, pointing towards a robust job market for skilled individuals in this trade.
2024 Market Data

Salary Overview

$69,380

The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Champaign-Urbana, IL earns+11.0%above the national average.

BreakdownBased on 40h/week
Hourly

$33.4

Weekly

$1,334

Monthly

$5,782

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in Champaign-Urbana, IL

Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Champaign-Urbana, IL, typically scales with experience and specialization. Entry-level positions may start at a lower percentile, while seasoned professionals with advanced certifications and a proven track record can command salaries in the higher percentiles. The widening gap between entry-level and senior roles signifies clear career advancement opportunities and increased earning potential.

Experience LevelMarket PercentileAnnual WageHourly Rate
ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT.10% (Entry)$42,520$20.4
JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks.25% (Junior)$52,035$25
Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting.50% (Median)$64,250$30.9
Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance.75% (Senior)$86,725$41.7
SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman.90% (Expert)$109,000$52.4

Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis

Relocation Context

Nominal Salary

$69,380

Gross Pay

Real Wage (Purchasing Power)

$69,380

Adjusted for COL (100)

The average annual salary of $69,380 in Champaign-Urbana, IL, aligns perfectly with the local Cost of Living Index of 100, which is the national average. This means that the purchasing power of an HVAC professional's salary in this area is equivalent to the national standard, offering a balanced lifestyle without significant financial strain related to everyday expenses.

Job Market Context

210

Total Jobs

2.021

Per 1K Jobs

0.79

Location Quotient

Below Average

Champaign-Urbana, IL has 0.79x the national average concentration of Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers jobs. This means there are fewer opportunities per capita here compared to the U.S. average — competition for roles may be higher.

The Location Quotient of 0.79 for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Champaign-Urbana suggests that the concentration of these professionals is slightly below the national average. This indicates a potentially less saturated market, which could translate to favorable conditions for job seekers as demand may outpace the local supply of qualified technicians.

Nearby Job Markets

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in Champaign-Urbana, IL?

The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Champaign-Urbana, IL is $69,380. This typically ranges from $42,520 for entry-level positions to $109,000 for top-level roles.

How does the salary compare to the national average?

The average salary for this role in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 11.0% higher than the national median of $62,480.

Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?

Yes, it offers above-average compensation.With an average annual salary of $69,380, HVAC professionals in Champaign-Urbana earn more than the national average, while the cost of living remains at the national average, indicating strong earning potential.

Is Champaign-Urbana, IL a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?

The Cost of Living Index in Champaign-Urbana, IL is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.

Where are the highest paying cities near Champaign-Urbana, IL?

Some top paying nearby cities include Decatur, IL ($67,260) and West Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area.

How does the local HVAC job market compare to the national average?

The local job market in Champaign-Urbana has a slightly lower concentration of HVAC professionals than the national average, as indicated by a Location Quotient of 0.79, suggesting a potentially less competitive environment for job seekers.

What is the average salary for an HVAC technician in Champaign-Urbana, IL?

The average annual salary for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in Champaign-Urbana, IL, is $69,380.

Does the cost of living affect the value of an HVAC salary in Champaign-Urbana?

No, the cost of living in Champaign-Urbana is exactly at the national average (100), meaning the $69,380 salary offers purchasing power equivalent to the national average.

What does a Location Quotient of 0.79 mean for HVAC jobs in Champaign-Urbana?

A Location Quotient of 0.79 signifies that there are fewer HVAC mechanics and installers per capita in Champaign-Urbana compared to the national average, potentially indicating a demand that is not fully met by the local workforce.

Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 210 employees in the Champaign-Urbana, IL area with a job density of 2.021 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.