How to Become an HVAC Technician in Illinois

Tired of a mundane office job?

Consider a career as an HVAC technician, where no two days are alike and you’re solving puzzles with pipes, ducts, and gears.

As an HVAC technician in high-demand Illinois, you’ll troubleshoot faulty air conditioners, prepare buildings for temperature extremes, and ensure comfort for thousands.

Let me walk you through the journey to this in-demand role, spotlighting the training, skills, and steps to becoming a successful HVAC professional in Illinois.

How to Become an HVAC Tech in Illinois, Step-By-Step

Educational Requirements

The first step to becoming an HVAC technician is making sure you have the minimum education needed.

You’ll require at least a high school diploma or GED equivalent to begin your training.

It’s important to have a solid foundation in math and science skills.

As an HVAC technician, you’ll regularly use concepts like algebra, geometry, and thermodynamics in your work.

Accredited HVAC Technician Program in Illinois

When choosing a school for HVAC training, it’s important to make sure the program meets high standards.

Look for “accreditation,” which means an outside group has approved the school’s classes and teachers.

HVAC Technical Institute

• Location: Chicago, IL
• Accreditation: HVAC Excellence
• Time to Complete: HVAC course (22 to 32 weeks); light commercial refrigeration course (10.75 to 17 weeks); HVAC/R course (32.5 to 48 weeks)
• Tuition Estimate: $15,000 (HVAC/R), $10,500 (HVAC), $4,500 (LCR)

Midwest Technical Institute

• Location: Moline, Springfield, and East Peoria, IL.
• Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges (ACCSC)
• Time to Complete: 35 weeks
• Tuition Estimate: $12,000 to $15,000 for the program

Richland Community College

• Location: Decatur, IL
• Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Higher Learning Commission
• Time to Complete: Two years (AAS)
• Tuition Estimate: In-district ($153 per credit); out-of-district ($303 per credit); out-of-state ($489 per credit)

Kaskaskia College

• Location: Centralia, IL
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
• Time to Complete: AAS (two years); certificate (two semesters)
• Tuition Estimate: AAS ($13,214); certificate ($6,287)

Waubonsee Community College

• Location: Sugar Grove, Aurora, and Plano, IL
• Accreditation: HVAC Excellence; Higher Learning Commission
• Time to Completion: AAS (two years); certificate (48 weeks)
• Tuition Estimate: In-district ($132 per credit); out-of-district ($379.87 per credit); out-of-state ($415.14 per credit)

College of Lake County

• Location: Grayslake, IL
• Accreditation: PAHRA; Higher Learning Commission
• Time to Complete: AAS (two years); certificate (two semesters each)
• Tuition Estimate: In-district ($125 per credit); Out-of-district ($322 per credit); Out-of-state ($436 per credit)

Elgin Community College

• Location: Elgin, IL
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission; PAHRA
• Time to Complete: Sheet metal mechanics (two semesters); AAS (four semesters), residential HVAC service tech (two semesters); light commercial HVAC service technician (three semesters); HVAC facilities maintenance tech (four semesters); HVAC residential systems (one semester); refrigeration service technician (one semester)
• Tuition Estimate: In-district Resident ($132 per credit hour); out-of-district resident ($297 per credit hour); out-of-state ($396 credit hour)

Illinois Central College

• Location: East Peoria, IL
• Accreditation: PAHRA; Higher Learning Commission
• Time to Complete: AAS (two years); certificate (varies)
• Tuition Estimate: In-district ($155 per credit); out-of-district ($330 per credit); out-of-state ($390 per credit)

John A. Logan College

• Location: Carterville, IL
• Accreditation: PAHRA; Higher Learning Commission
• Time to Complete: AAS (two years); certificate (two years)
• Tuition Estimate: In-district ($133 per credit); out-of-district ($188 per credit); out-of-state ($222 per credit)

Oakton Community College

• Location: Des Plains, IL
• Accreditation: PAHRA; Higher Learning Commission
• Time to Complete: AAS (two years); Certificate (varies)
• Tuition Estimate: In-district ($136.25 per credit); out-of-district ($367 per credit); out-of-state ($439 per credit)

Apprenticeship Programs

An apprenticeship is not mandatory in Illinois, but it is one of the best routes to gain qualifications for HVAC work in Illinois through comprehensive training programs.

After completing an HVAC training program, consider joining an apprenticeship.

You’ll work directly under a licensed HVAC technician, allowing you to apply what you learned while getting paid.

Apprenticeships often last two years, and many lead directly to full-time employment.

Apprentices are exempt from needing Epa certification requirements, provided they are closely and continually supervised by a certified technician.

Licensing Requirements

In Illinois, HVAC technicians do not need a state license to start working as beginner or intermediate professionals.

However, HVAC companies must get approved by the local government, whether it’s the city or county, before performing any installation or repair jobs within that jurisdiction’s boundaries.

To be properly licensed, you’ll need an EPA Section 608 certification, which will take around 2 years to complete.

This nationwide certification tests your knowledge of handling refrigerants safely and is required for anyone who works on HVAC systems.

HVAC Salary in Illinois

According to Indeed, on average, HVAC mechanics and installers in Illinois make $60.035 per year.

Annual Salary Range: Annual Salary by Location:

Location	Avg. Annual Salary
Chicago	$51,722
Aurora	$51,285
Rockford	$48,285
Joliet	$50,410
Naperville	$50,773
Springfield	$46,398
Peoria	$47,359
Elgin	$50,885
Waukegan	$48,994
Champaign	$46,501

Regional Salary in Illinois

* Salary information based on the May 2023 Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) Survey for Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers, OCC Code 49-9021, BLS.
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.

Frequently Asked Questions

I'm ready to apply for my HVAC technician license in Illinois. Can I get licensed in more than one county at a time?

No, HVAC technician licenses in Illinois are county-specific, so you need to apply separately with each county you want to work in.

The state doesn’t issue a universal license; you have to obtain an individual license from each local authority if you perform HVAC services across multiple jurisdictions.

Make sure to research the requirements and fees for each county before applying, as they may vary slightly.

It’s generally best to start with the county you live in or do most of your work in first before expanding to additional areas.

Getting properly licensed in Illinois at the local level is important to work legally in the HVAC trade throughout the state.

How can I get my HVAC license online?

While many HVAC technicians get their training through college or apprenticeships, some people cannot participate in traditional programs.

Thankfully, numerous online education options exist for those wanting to learn more about HVAC systems before starting a career in the field.

From continuing education courses to full certificate and degree programs to test prep classes, online training provides flexible solutions for pursuing HVAC knowledge as well as the required hands-on components some programs include.

What is the highest HVAC hourly pay?

The highest-paid HVAC technicians generally work in large metropolitan areas like Los Angeles, New York, and San Francisco.

Experienced commercial technicians working in these high-cost-of-living cities can earn hourly wages up to $53/hour.

HVAC Technician Info by State