Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earn an average annual salary of $56,510. This figure is notably below the national average of $62,480, reflecting regional economic factors and potentially lower demand in less urbanized settings. The specific economic landscape and industry concentration within South Illinois directly influence this compensation level.
Executive Summary
- Average Salary: $56,510 per year.
- Growth Trend: Salaries have shifted 2.1% ↘ over the last 5 years.
- Top Earners: Senior professionals (90th percentile) earn up to $76,900.
- Outlook: The South Illinois nonmetropolitan area supports a local workforce of 270 Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers. With a Location Quotient of 0.76, the concentration of these jobs is slightly below the national average, suggesting a stable but not exceptionally high demand. The presence of nearly 2 jobs per 1,000 workers indicates a consistent need for these essential services within the region.
Salary Overview
The average Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area earns-9.6%below the national average.
$27.2
$1,087
$4,709
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Trends (2020-2024)
While specific historical data for South Illinois is not provided, the HVAC industry nationally has experienced steady growth over the past four years, driven by an aging infrastructure, increased demand for energy-efficient systems, and a growing need for climate control solutions. It is reasonable to assume that salaries for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Illinois have mirrored this trend, likely seeing incremental increases as the demand for skilled technicians persists.
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Salary Distribution in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
Salary progression for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers is significantly tied to experience and specialization. Entry-level positions typically start at the lower end of the pay scale, while seasoned professionals with extensive experience, specialized certifications, and a proven track record can command significantly higher salaries. The percentile gaps in earnings clearly signify career advancement opportunities, with senior technicians often earning well above the average.
| Experience Level | Market Percentile | Annual Wage | Hourly Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| ApprenticeLearning trade under supervision. Classroom + OJT. | 10% (Entry) | $39,480 | $19 |
| JourneymanLicensed/Certified. Works independently on standard tasks. | 25% (Junior) | $42,383 | $20.4 |
| Senior TechnicianHandles complex installations & troubleshooting. | 50% (Median) | $56,160 | $27 |
| Foreman / MasterSupervises crews, handles permits & code compliance. | 75% (Senior) | $70,638 | $34 |
| SuperintendentSite management, business owner, or master tradesman. | 90% (Expert) | $76,900 | $37 |
Detailed Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Market Analysis
Relocation Context
Nominal Salary
$56,510
Gross Pay
Real Wage (Purchasing Power)
$56,510
Adjusted for COL (100)
The average annual salary of $56,510 in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area aligns precisely with the national average Cost of Living Index of 100. This means that while the nominal salary is lower than the national average, the purchasing power of that salary is equivalent to the national standard. Consequently, the take-home pay effectively covers living expenses at a comparable rate to other regions across the country.
Job Market Context
270
Total Jobs
1.959
Per 1K Jobs
0.76
Location Quotient
South Illinois nonmetropolitan area has 0.76x 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.
A Location Quotient of 0.76 indicates that Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers are slightly less concentrated in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area compared to the national average. This suggests that while the job market is present and stable, it may not be as saturated as in metropolitan hubs, potentially offering good opportunities for skilled individuals without overwhelming competition.
Nearby Job Markets
Nearby Cities for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers
Comparing salaries near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers make in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
The median annual salary for a Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is $56,510. This typically ranges from $39,480 for entry-level positions to $76,900 for top-level roles.
How does the salary compare to the national average?
The average salary for this role in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 9.6% lower than the national median of $62,480.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a lucrative place for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installerss?
No, not exceptionally lucrative compared to the national average.The average salary of $56,510 is below the national average, although the cost of living is also at the national average, meaning purchasing power is comparable. The lower concentration (LQ of 0.76) suggests a stable but not booming job market.
Is South Illinois nonmetropolitan area a good place to live for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers?
The Cost of Living Index in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area is 100. While higher than average, this often correlates with higher wages.
Where are the highest paying cities near South Illinois nonmetropolitan area?
Some top paying nearby cities include Bloomington, IL ($61,520) and Decatur, IL.
How does the local workforce size affect job prospects?
A local workforce of 270 HVAC professionals indicates a moderate-sized market. While not as large as metropolitan areas, it suggests consistent demand for services within the region.
What is the significance of the Jobs per 1,000 Workers metric?
With 1.959 jobs per 1,000 workers, this metric shows a healthy presence of HVAC roles relative to the general population, indicating ongoing employment opportunities.
Does experience matter for HVAC technicians in South Illinois?
Absolutely. Experienced technicians with specialized skills and certifications typically earn significantly more than entry-level workers, reflecting the value of expertise in this trade.
How does the South Illinois HVAC market compare to national trends?
While the average salary is lower, the cost of living parity means earning potential is relatively stable. The market is less concentrated than national averages, suggesting steady, consistent demand.
Methodology: Salary data is derived from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) OEWS 2024 release. Figures represent gross pay before taxes. Analysis includes 270 employees in the South Illinois nonmetropolitan area area with a job density of 1.959 per 1,000 jobs. Cost of Living data is estimated based on state and metro averages.
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Semantic Salary Analysis for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers • Data source: BLS OEWS 2024 •Jobs in South Illinois nonmetropolitan area