TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level HVAC Technician Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$56,478/yr
Typical range: $55,490 – $65,390
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
HVAC Technician salary by experience level in Chicago
HVAC Technician Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $56,478 | $4,707 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $67,459 | $5,622 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $74,780 | $6,232 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $81,892 | $6,824 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $95,698 | $7,975 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $105,738 | $8,812 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $108,249 | $9,021 | +92% |
Current Salary
$56,478
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $27/hr
Next Level Target
$67,459
Junior · 2
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
42/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level HVAC Technician salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level HVAC Technicians in Chicago, IL earn approximately $56K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level HVAC Technician make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $56K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $27/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior HVAC Technician in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior HVAC Technician in Chicago, IL earns $94K–$111K/yr.