Introduction
Illinois, known for its continental climate with cold winters and hot, humid summers, is a prime location for HVAC professionals. The demand for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration (HVAC/R) technicians is high, supported by numerous professional organizations.
The Illinois Plumbing, Heating, Cooling Contractors Association (PHCC) has been advocating for over 120 years to protect the environment, health, welfare, and safety of Illinois residents. This association offers legal representation, networking events, educational training, scholarships, business discounts, and more. The Southwestern Illinois chapter is among the many HVAC contractor associations in the state.
HVAC technicians in Illinois handle various tasks, including reading blueprints, calculating heat loads, installing and repairing HVAC components, maintaining detailed service records, and advising customers on energy efficiency improvements. Some specialize in specific equipment or methods, while others gain broad-based skills to become generalists. Nationwide, all HVAC professionals handling refrigerants must obtain EPA Section 608 certification.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Illinois
The HVAC industry in Illinois is experiencing significant growth. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the national projection for HVAC job growth is 5 percent from 2021 to 2031, which translates to about 20,200 new positions across the country. This growth rate is in line with the average expected growth for all occupations during this period.
In Illinois, the outlook is also promising. Projections Central reports a 5.2 percent increase in HVAC job openings from 2020 to 2030, adding approximately 600 new positions statewide. This demand is driven by several factors:
- HVAC systems typically need maintenance and replacements every 10 to 15 years, ensuring a steady demand for skilled workers.
- Illinois experiences extreme temperatures in both winter and summer, increasing the need for HVAC services.
- Areas like Chicago are seeing high growth and construction rates, which further drives the demand for HVAC installations and services.
- As environmental regulations evolve, older systems need retrofitting to meet new standards, boosting demand for HVAC professionals.
According to the BLS 66 percent worked for contracting companies. HVAC professionals in Illinois often work beyond regular business hours, especially during peak seasons, to meet client needs.
Schools in Illinois
Southwestern Illinois College
2500 Carlyle Ave
Belleville, Illinois 62221-5899
Phone: (618) 235-2700
URL: www.swic.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7188
- Total Faculty: 441
City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College
6301 S Halsted St
Chicago, Illinois 60621-2709
Phone: (773) 602-5000
URL: www.ccc.edu/colleges/kennedy/pages/default.aspx
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2237
- Total Faculty: 127
Danville Area Community College
2000 E Main St
Danville, Illinois 61832-5118
Phone: (217) 443-3222
URL: www.dacc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1924
- Total Faculty: 93
College of DuPage
425 Fawell Blvd.
Glen Ellyn, Illinois 60137-6599
Phone: (630) 942-2800
URL: www.cod.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 21939
- Total Faculty: 1216
Elgin Community College
1700 Spartan Drive
Elgin, Illinois 60123-7193
Phone: (847) 697-1000
URL: www.elgin.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 8910
- Total Faculty: 474
Illinois Central College
1 College Drive
East Peoria, Illinois 61635-0001
Phone: (309) 694-5422
URL: icc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7044
- Total Faculty: 392
Olney Central College
305 N West Street
Olney, Illinois 62450
Phone: (618) 393-2982 x5559
URL: www.iecc.edu/occ
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 869
- Total Faculty: 68
Illinois Valley Community College
815 N Orlando Smith Road
Oglesby, Illinois 61348-9692
Phone: (815) 224-2720
URL: www.ivcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2371
- Total Faculty: 137
John A Logan College
700 Logan College Drive
Carterville, Illinois 62918-2500
Phone: (618) 985-2828
URL: www.jalc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3272
- Total Faculty: 166
John Wood Community College
1301 S 48th Street
Quincy, Illinois 62305-8736
Phone: (217) 224-6500
URL: www.jwcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1718
- Total Faculty: 154
Joliet Junior College
1215 Houbolt Rd
Joliet, Illinois 60431-8938
Phone: (815) 729-9020
URL: www.jjc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 10212
- Total Faculty: 747
Kankakee Community College
100 College Drive
Kankakee, Illinois 60901
Phone: (815) 802-8100
URL: www.kcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2333
- Total Faculty: 173
Kaskaskia College
27210 College Rd
Centralia, Illinois 62801
Phone: (618) 545-3000
URL: www.kaskaskia.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3370
- Total Faculty: 130
College of Lake County
19351 W Washington St.
Grayslake, Illinois 60030-1198
Phone: (847) 543-2000
URL: www.clcillinois.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 11651
- Total Faculty: 835
Lake Land College
5001 Lake Land Blvd
Mattoon, Illinois 61938
Phone: (217) 234-5253
URL: www.lakelandcollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a distant town with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3742
- Total Faculty: 153
Lincoln Land Community College
5250 Shepherd Rd
Springfield, Illinois 62794-9256
Phone: (217) 786-2200
URL: www.llcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 4444
- Total Faculty: 254
Moraine Valley Community College
9000 W. College Parkway
Palos Hills, Illinois 60465-0937
Phone: (708) 974-4300
URL: www.morainevalley.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 10511
- Total Faculty: 581
Morton College
3801 S Central Ave
Cicero, Illinois 60804-4398
Phone: (708) 656-8000
URL: www.morton.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3753
- Total Faculty: 154
Oakton College
1600 E Golf Rd.
Des Plaines, Illinois 60016-1268
Phone: (847) 635-1600
URL: www.oakton.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7645
- Total Faculty: 623
Parkland College
2400 W Bradley Ave
Champaign, Illinois 61821-1899
Phone: (217) 351-2200
URL: www.parkland.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 5686
- Total Faculty: 352
Prairie State College
202 South Halsted Street
Chicago Heights, Illinois 60411-8226
Phone: (708) 709-3500
URL: prairiestate.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2680
- Total Faculty: 210
Richland Community College
One College Park
Decatur, Illinois 62521-8513
Phone: (217) 875-7200
URL: www.richland.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2075
- Total Faculty: 111
Sauk Valley Community College
173 Illinois Rt 2
Dixon, Illinois 61021-9112
Phone: (815) 288-5511
URL: www.svcc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1386
- Total Faculty: 97
Shawnee Community College
8364 Shawnee College Rd
Ullin, Illinois 62992
Phone: (618) 634-3200
URL: shawneecc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a remote rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1174
- Total Faculty: 78
Triton College
2000 5th Ave
River Grove, Illinois 60171-1995
Phone: (708) 456-0300
URL: www.triton.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 8616
- Total Faculty: 469
Waubonsee Community College
Rte 47 at Waubonsee Drive
Sugar Grove, Illinois 60554-9454
Phone: (630) 466-7900 x2255
URL: www.waubonsee.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7491
- Total Faculty: 431
William Rainey Harper College
1200 W Algonquin Rd
Palatine, Illinois 60067-7398
Phone: (847) 925-6000
URL: www.harpercollege.edu/index.php
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 12434
- Total Faculty: 603
ETI School of Skilled Trades
500 Joliet Road
Suite#100
Willowbrook, Illinois 60527
Phone: (888) 830-7678
URL: www.eticampus.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 323
Midwest Technical Institute-Illinois
2731 Farmers Market Road
Springfield, Illinois 62707
Phone: (217) 527-8324
URL: www.midwesttech.edu/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 1108
HVAC Technical Institute
4532 South Kolin Avenue
Chicago, Illinois 60632-4457
Phone: (773) 927-9562
URL: www.hvac-tech.com/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 207
Chicago Professional Center
16 Piper Ln. Suite 127
Prospect Heights, Illinois 60090
Phone: (847) 215-8203
URL: www.chicagoprofessionalcenter.com/
This school is a less than 2 year Private for-profit college that offers Less than one year certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 98
Stautzenberger College-Rockford Career College
1130 South Alpine Road Suite 100
Rockford, Illinois 61108-3900
Phone: (815) 965-8616
URL: www.rockfordcareercollege.edu/
This school is a 2 year Private for-profit college that offers One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 473
- Total Faculty: 30
HVAC Worker Salaries in Illinois
The employment climate for HVAC technicians in Illinois is robust, offering competitive salaries for those in the field. According to the most recent data, HVAC technicians in Illinois earn an average annual salary of $65,049 as of January 2024. The salary range typically falls between $57,922 and $73,191.
Here is a comparison of the annual salaries and hourly wages for HVAC professionals in Illinois versus the national averages:
| Percentile | United States | Illinois |
|---|---|---|
| Average annual salary | $57,460 | $65,049 |
| 10th percentile | $36,170 | $30,960 |
| 25th percentile | $44,100 | $38,800 |
| 50th percentile (median) | $51,390 | $56,270 |
| 75th percentile | $65,630 | $75,340 |
| 90th percentile | $82,630 | $94,380 |
The average salary for HVAC technicians in Illinois is higher than the national average, making it a lucrative career choice in the state. Additionally, the cost of living in Illinois varies, which can further influence the purchasing power of these salaries.
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Illinois
In Illinois, aspiring HVAC technicians must obtain the proper credentials before beginning work. Key certifications and licenses include:
EPA Section 608 Certification
-
The EPA Section 608 certification is mandatory for all HVAC technicians who handle refrigerants. There are four types of certification:
- Type I: Small appliances
- Type II: High-pressure appliances
- Type III: Low-pressure appliances
- Universal: Covers all types
Additional Certifications
Other national certifications available to HVAC technicians include:
- HVAC Excellence: Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology (HEAT), HEAT Plus, Green Awareness, and more.
- NATE (North American Technician Excellence): Hydronics Gas, Hydronics Oil, Gas Heating, Air Distribution, and more.
- RSES (Refrigeration Service Engineers Society): Commercial Air Conditioning, HVAC-R Electrical Controls, and Dynamic Compression.
Local Licensing Requirements
While Illinois does not have a statewide HVAC license requirement, local jurisdictions may have specific licensing and registration requirements. For example:
- City of Evanston: Requires HVAC workers to pass an open-book exam on the International Mechanical and Fuel Gas Codes and pay a $100 fee. The license can be renewed annually.
- City of Elgin: Requires warm air heating contractors to register with the city’s Department of Community Development and pass an exam covering duct design, venting and combustion air, and installation parameters. The exam costs $100, and the annual registration fee is $25.
Insurance and Bonding
HVAC professionals may also need to secure various types of insurance, such as:
- Commercial general liability insurance
- Workers compensation
- Errors and omissions insurance