Illinois is one of the strongest union states in the country for HVAC and sheet metal trades. Chicago's SMWIA Local 73 sheet metal workers earn wages that rank among the top in the US. The city's massive commercial construction market, extensive healthcare sector, and ongoing industrial facilities in the Chicago metro all create strong and consistent demand for HVAC technicians. Downstate Illinois also has active construction in Peoria, Springfield, and the Quad Cities manufacturing corridor.
HVAC Career Paths in Illinois
- Residential service tech: Services and repairs home HVAC systems. Average $22-$34/hr in Illinois.
- Commercial HVAC tech: Larger commercial systems in Chicago office buildings and retail. $28-$42/hr.
- Industrial HVAC and refrigeration: Manufacturing and food processing facilities. $28-$44/hr.
- Sheet metal worker (union): SMWIA Local 73 Chicago. HVAC ductwork installation and commercial systems. $44-$58/hr union.
- Building automation and controls: Chicago's large building stock drives demand. $32-$50/hr with specialized training.
Top HVAC Schools in Illinois
- College of DuPage (Glen Ellyn): One of the largest community colleges in the Midwest. Strong HVAC programs for the Chicago suburbs.
- Richard J. Daley College (Chicago): City Colleges of Chicago system. HVAC programs in the city.
- Lincoln Land Community College (Springfield): HVAC programs for Central Illinois.
- Illinois Central College (Peoria): HVAC programs for the Central Illinois manufacturing corridor.
- SMWIA Local 73 JATC (Chicago): Free 5-year sheet metal and HVAC union apprenticeship with top Chicago wages.
HVAC Salary in Illinois
- Entry-level HVAC tech: $18-$22/hr
- Residential service tech: $22-$34/hr
- Commercial HVAC tech: $28-$42/hr
- SMWIA Local 73 journeyman (Chicago): $44-$58/hr with full benefits
- HVAC contractor: $70,000-$140,000+/yr
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best HVAC school in Illinois?
College of DuPage in Glen Ellyn is one of the most recognized for HVAC programs in the Chicago suburbs. City Colleges of Chicago offers programs within the city. For the highest wages, SMWIA Local 73 union apprenticeship in Chicago is the top pathway, providing free 5-year training with top wages from day one.
How much do HVAC technicians make in Chicago?
Residential HVAC service techs in Chicago earn $22-$34/hr. Commercial HVAC techs earn $28-$42/hr. SMWIA Local 73 union sheet metal and HVAC journeymen earn $44-$58/hr with full benefits including pension, health insurance, and annuity. Chicago union HVAC wages are among the highest in the country.
Do I need a license for HVAC work in Illinois?
EPA 608 certification is required federally to handle refrigerants. Illinois does not have a statewide individual journeyman HVAC license, though some Illinois municipalities have their own requirements. To operate an HVAC contracting business in Illinois, you need a state HVAC contractor license from the Illinois Department of Public Health or relevant local authority.
Is HVAC in demand in Illinois?
Yes. Chicago's massive commercial building stock requires constant maintenance. Illinois manufacturing sector and food processing industry need refrigeration and industrial HVAC expertise. Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity consistently lists HVAC technician as a high-demand occupation statewide.
What is SMWIA Local 73 in Chicago?
SMWIA Local 73 is the Sheet Metal Workers union local serving the Chicago area. Sheet metal workers install HVAC ductwork, roofing, and specialty metal systems on commercial buildings. Local 73 operates a free 5-year apprenticeship program with wages from day one. Journeyman wages of $44-$58/hr with full benefits make this one of the best-paying HVAC and sheet metal trade pathways anywhere in the US.
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