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It doesn’t appear that the demand for HVAC technicians will ever decrease in the foreseeable future, so here is a guide on how to start a career in this industry, in Illinois.
Article Table of Contents
Salary
The entry-level salary for this profession is higher in Illinois than in other parts of the USA, with the average salary being $47,907 per year, and the highest one being $54,285 annually.
Speaking of the rest of the nation, the median income of an HVAC worker is $46,648 per year, while top earners make around $52,858 per year.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $49,447 |
| Aurora | $49,009 |
| Rockford | $46,177 |
| Joliet | $48,047 |
| Naperville | $48,446 |
| Springfield | $43,055 |
| Peoria | $45,057 |
| Elgin | $48,650 |
| Waukegan | $46,631 |
| Cicero | $49,447 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 150 | $55,840 | $26.85 | $81,310 | $31,020 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 140 | $54,090 | $26.01 | $83,170 | $29,960 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 240 | $59,430 | $28.57 | $94,390 | $37,940 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 7,960 | $65,460 | $31.47 | $105,440 | $35,520 |
| Danville, IL | 60 | $53,970 | $25.95 | $78,710 | $30,620 |
| Decatur, IL | 100 | $61,230 | $29.44 | $94,960 | $35,720 |
| Kankakee, IL | 60 | $57,250 | $27.53 | $92,050 | $30,840 |
| Peoria, IL | 340 | $61,830 | $29.73 | $94,990 | $36,240 |
| Rockford, IL | 250 | $63,660 | $30.61 | $98,010 | $35,390 |
| Springfield, IL | 160 | $60,540 | $29.11 | $96,570 | $35,380 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Job Requirements
Illinois doesn’t require HVAC technicians to hold a license in order to work in this field.
This aspect makes it easier to enter the field when compared to other regions.
Cities and jurisdictions might have some specific and local rules that you’ll have to adhere to, and it could be a good idea to get some training and certifications for better job security.
Related Licenses
In this state, there are very few requirements when it comes to certification, and this is seen in many trades, including electricians and contractors.
Not even Chicago requires its HVAC technicians to hold a license.
In this city, a supervising electrician, a Plumbers’ Apprentice and a Plumbing Contractor will need certification and these licenses might be useful for an HVAC specialist.
Continental Testing is the body administers the testing process in Chicago.
You might want to check out the schools below to get some training and increase your knowledge in the field.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College | 6301 S Halsted St Chicago, Illinois 60621 |
| College of DuPage | 425 Fawell Blvd. Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137 |
| College of Lake County | 19351 W Washington St. Grayslake, Illinois 60030 |
| Coyne College | 330 North Green Street Chicago, Illinois 60607 |
| Danville Area Community College | 2000 E Main St Danville, Illinois 61832 |
| Elgin Community College | 1700 Spartan Drive Elgin, Illinois 60123 |
| Environmental Technical Institute | 1101 W Thorndale Ave Itasca, Illinois 60143 |
| Global Tech Training LLC | 203 S Logan St Lincoln, Illinois 62656 |
| Harper College | 1200 W Algonquin Rd Palatine, Illinois 60067 |
| Illinois Central College | One College Drive East Peoria, Illinois 61635 |
| Illinois Valley Community College | 815 N Orlando Smith Ave Oglesby, Illinois 61348 |
| John A Logan College | 700 Logan College Road Carterville, Illinois 62918 |
| Joliet Junior College | 1215 Houbolt Rd Joliet, Illinois 60431 |
| Kankakee Community College | 100 College Drive Kankakee, Illinois 60901 |
| Kaskaskia College | 27210 College Rd Centralia, Illinois 62801 |
| Lake Land College | 5001 Lake Land Blvd Mattoon, Illinois 61938 |
| Lincoln Land Community College | 5250 Shepherd Rd Springfield, Illinois 62794 |
| Midwest Technical Institute | 280 High Point Ln East Peoria, Illinois 61611 |
| Moraine Valley Community College | 9000 W. College Parkway Palos Hills, Illinois 60465 |
| Morton College | 3801 S Central Ave Cicero, Illinois 60804 |
| Oakton Community College | 1600 E Golf Rd. Des Plaines, Illinois 60016 |
| Parkland College | 2400 W Bradley Ave Champaign, Illinois 61821 |
| Prairie State College | 202 South Halsted Street Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411 |
| Richland Community College | One College Pk Decatur, Illinois 62521 |
| Sauk Valley Community College | 173 Illinois Rt 2 Dixon, Illinois 61021 |
| Shawnee Community College | 8364 Shawnee College Rd Ullin, Illinois 62992 |
| Southwestern Illinois College | 2500 Carlyle Ave Belleville, Illinois 62221 |
| Vatterott College | 3609 North Marx Drive Quincy, Illinois 62305 |
EPA Certification
The Environmental Protection Agency is a federal entity ruling all 50 states.
Those working with refrigerants must obtain Section 608 Certification from the EPA.
This ensures you can handle dangerous chemicals properly to avoid accidents.
Business License
If you want to sell your services in the State of Illinois, you’ll have to register as a business with the state.
This license is helpful when it comes to taxes towards the state and most jurisdictions might also request it.
Conclusion
While it’s rather easy to work as an HVAC technician in Illinois, it’s better to check the regulations with your local government to make sure you work in complete legality.
Read the full guide: How to Become an HVAC Technician
HVAC Schools by City
HVAC Schools by State