The benefits of certification in Illinois include greater pay and better recognition. Certified HVACs become more valuable to their employers or go into business themselves.
Education and Training
Get started on the path to certification with an online training course such as the ones below.
How Can a Course Help me?
The main benefit will be preparation for the necessary certifications in the trade:
NATE Core and Specialty Test
HVAC Excellence
EPA 608
Curriculum
Here is what you will study in the course:
Fundamentals of HVAC Systems:
- Fundamentals of Electrical, Heating, and Cooling Systems
- Four basic components that make up the vapor-compression refrigeration cycle
- Functions and desired characteristics of system refrigerants
Installation and Operations:
- Properly installing and operating an air-conditioning system
- Demonstrate piping operations typically performed by the air conditioning technician
Refrigeration Systems:
- Commercial and Residential Refrigeration
- Recovering, recycling, reclaiming, and retrofitting refrigerants
Legal and Environmental Considerations:
- EPA laws governing safe refrigerant handling and transport
- Latest advances and trends in green technology
Technical Skills Development:
- Blueprint and Schematic Reading
- Welding and Sheet Metal Fabrication
- Load Calculations, Hydronics, and Psychometrics
Troubleshooting and Maintenance:
- HVAC System Troubleshooting and Diagnostics
- Understand the procedures and criteria needed to conduct a residential energy audit
Educational Tools and Simulations:
- Use real-world simulations included in this course to get “hands-on” experience
- Soft skills simulations included in the course will help sharpen your customer service skills
Basic Skills Enhancement:
- Basic Mathematics
As you can see, it is very thorough and you will be ready for anything.
How Long Does it Take?
Unlike many other trade school programs, you can enroll at anytime. Timeframe is typical 9 to 12 months for completion. Just depends how much time you can dedicate each week.
Since its an online course you can fit in around other responsibilities on night, weekends etc.
How Much It It?
Tuition is $3,100. Financing for monthly payments can be set up.
Other Local Trade School Programs
- Chicago
- Chicago
- Willowbrook
- Chicago
- Olney, Fairfield, Robinson, Mt. Carmel, Noble
- Melrose Park
- Springfield, East Peoria, Moline
- Rockford
- Lisle
- Springfield
Aviation Institute of Maintenance
AIM's HVAC certificate is 1,080 clock hours (36 credits), about 48 weeks or 12 months. AIM's HVAC program page says it prepares students for EPA Section 608 certification and OSHA training. The program page lists the Chicago, IL campus, but the Chicago campus page does not list HVAC, so confirm with the campus that the program is offered before applying. No other AIM campus lists an HVAC program.
City Colleges of Chicago
Kennedy-King College teaches HVAC as Air Conditioning and Refrigeration: an AAS of 61 credits over four semesters, an advanced certificate, and basic certificates in Commercial Refrigeration, Domestic Refrigeration and Heating, so students can stop at a shorter credential. The catalog does not name the EPA Section 608 refrigerant exam, so ask whether it is offered. At the in-district rate of $163 per credit from Summer 2026, the AAS's tuition is about $9,900 before fees and books.
ETI School of Skilled Trades
ETI's HVAC/R certificate is 906 clock hours in federal data, taught in person on a day schedule (about 7 months, Monday to Thursday) or an evening schedule (about 12 months). Students practice sheet metal fabrication, conduit bending, gas pipe runs and refrigeration diagnostics, finish with an in-school senior project, and prepare for EPA Section 608 Universal and a low-GWP refrigerant safety certificate. Federal data put 2024-25 tuition and fees at the Willowbrook, IL campus at $14,685, plus $2,080 for books and supplies. The school lists no externship.
HVAC Technical Institute
HVAC Technical Institute's HVAC/R Training Program is a 649-clock-hour certificate in seven modules, from electricity, heating and hydronics through air conditioning, refrigeration, ventilation and installation. To graduate, students must pass the EPA Section 608 Universal and A2L refrigerant exams unless they already hold them. Tuition is $15,000 in the school's October 2026 handbook, including registration, books and the EPA exams; tools are extra. Classes run by day over 33 weeks or by day or night over 48 weeks, with a Spanish-language night section.
Illinois Eastern Community Colleges
IECC's HVAC training is one certificate, Industrial Maintenance HVAC I at Olney Central College, taken over two semesters. It covers residential and light-commercial air conditioning, gas and electric furnaces, heat pumps, walk-in refrigeration, ice makers, chillers, ductwork and brazing. The program page does not mention EPA Section 608 certification, so ask whether the exam is included. Tuition is $140 per credit hour for district residents in 2026-27.
Lincoln Tech
Lincoln Tech's Air Conditioning, Refrigeration & Heating program is about 1,200 clock hours, roughly 52 weeks on a day schedule, for a certificate or diploma; a 1,425-hour management version leads to a degree. Ten courses cover electricity, heating systems, air conditioning, basic and commercial refrigeration, energy conservation and troubleshooting. Students learn refrigerant recovery and are encouraged to take the EPA Section 608 certification test; ask whether your campus includes it. Lincoln works with Johnson Controls and Hussmann on advanced training. At Mahwah, NJ the total cost was $32,770 (Feb 2025).
Midwest Technical Institute
MTI's HVAC/R Technician diploma takes 35 weeks: 735 clock hours of classroom and lab work plus 182 outside hours (28 semester credits), with day and evening classes. Students must take and pass the EPA Section 608 Core, Type I and Type II exams. The program is HVAC Excellence-accredited at the Springfield, IL campus, and students at any MTI campus can sit the HVAC Excellence test. An undated Illinois workNet listing for the Springfield, IL campus gives about $15,800; other campuses may differ, so confirm current tuition with MTI.
Rockford Career College
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration diploma is 64 quarter credits over about 10 months, taught in person only at the Rockford, IL campus. It covers HVAC systems, electrical and mechanical controls and troubleshooting. The program page does not mention EPA Section 608 certification, so ask how students prepare for it. 2026-27 tuition is $24,150 before fees and books, and the college's self-reported January 2026 employment rate for HVAC/R graduates was 53%.
Universal Technical Institute
UTI's HVACR Technician program runs 39 weeks (40 at Canton, MI) for a diploma and prepares students for EPA 608, NATE Core, R-410A and OSHA 10 credentials. It is offered at 15 campuses, including the new San Antonio and Atlanta sites; at Avondale it costs $26,935 including fees (Aug 2026).
Workforce Institute at Lincoln Land Community College
The Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning and Refrigeration Certificate of Achievement at LLCC's Workforce Institute can be finished in as little as nine months, the college says. It is a single certificate, taught in person at the Workforce Careers Center in Springfield, IL. The 2026-27 in-district estimate is $7,877 in tuition and fees plus $2,300.27 for tools and books. HVAC courses carry a $73.25 per-credit surcharge, and students from outside the LLCC district without a chargeback pay a higher base rate.
Salary Range
Here is a survey of average salaries in the state.
- ZipRecruiter: $56,607 (entry level)
- Indeed.com: $59,966
- Bureau of Labor: $58,680
- Talent.com: $66,685
- Salary.com: $50, 479
City or Regional Level
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $29.72 | $61,830 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $28.81 | $59,920 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $32.26 | $67,110 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $34.16 | $71,060 |
| Danville | $27.41 | $57,010 |
| Decatur | $29.95 | $62,300 |
| East Central Illinois | $28.46 | $59,210 |
| Kankakee | $28.65 | $59,600 |
| Northwest Illinois | $34.80 | $72,370 |
| Peoria | $32.42 | $67,440 |
| Rockford | $32.68 | $67,970 |
| South Illinois | $26.56 | $55,240 |
| Springfield | $31.63 | $65,800 |
| West Central Illinois | $29.21 | $60,770 |
Occupation: Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers (SOC Code499021)
source: data.bls.gov
Illinois Requirements
Since there is no statewide licensing or certification requirement for HVAC technicians in IL, standards vary across different counties.
NATE
Depending on which part of the state you live in, you might need to earn one of the following North American Technician Excellence (NATE) certifications:
- Certified HVAC Professional (CHP-5)
- Ready-To-Work Certificate
- HVAC Support Technician
Fortunately NATE certification is part of the online course above.
Even if the county you live in allows uncertified techs to qualify for HVAC technician jobs in Illinois, you might consider obtaining one of these credentials to help improve your chances of getting hired.
EPA
While each locality determines the official requirements for HVAC technicians in IL, any tech planning to work on refrigeration units must have an official Section 608 Technician Certification from the federal Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
Fortunately EPA certification is part of the online course above.
Types of EPA Certifications
Depending on the specific requirements of your employer, you might need to obtain one of the following EPA certifications to qualify for HVAC jobs in Illinois:
- Type I: For servicing small appliances
- Type II: For disposing of or servicing high-pressure appliances
- Type III: For servicing low-pressure equipment and appliances
- Universal: For servicing all types of appliances and equipment
Illinois HVAC Apprenticeships
If you prefer, you can complete your HVAC technician training through an Illinois Department of Employment Security-approved apprenticeship. Local contractors and construction companies may offer jobs to trainees who want to become HVAC technicians in Illinois.
Apprenticeship Tasks
Apprentices typically perform entry-level tasks alongside licensed professionals, including:
- Completing simple maintenance tasks on heating and cooling units
- Helping employers and supervisors service HVAC systems on-site and in-store
- Cleaning air ducts
- Replacing refrigerant
- Helping diagnose malfunctions in HVAC equipment and systems
Additional Duties
Specific duties and program lengths vary, depending on what each employer needs from their apprentices. Typically, trainees earn the necessary hours to complete their apprenticeships in about two years.
Job Description
HVAC technician jobs in Illinois require physical stamina, strong attention to detail, and a thorough understanding of fundamental construction and machine maintenance principles. D
uring their workdays, HVAC techs perform duties like:
- Installing ventilation and refrigeration systems
- Repair or install electrical components and wiring
- Maintaining air conditioning systems and gas and electric heating units
- Inspect and repair heating and cooling systems
- Consult with builders and construction teams on ventilation system needs for a new structure
- Traveling to homes and businesses to respond to maintenance calls
Physical Demands of HVAC Jobs in Illinois
While on the job, HVAC technicians in IL typically need to sit, stand, kneel, or stoop down in uncomfortable positions for extended periods of time.
Techs must also be able to lift 25 to 100 pounds and work in confined or cramped areas. Depending on the job site, an HVAC tech might perform their workday duties outdoors in hot, cold, rainy, or humid weather.
What Employers in Illinois Are Looking for in an HVAC Technician
The demand for skilled HVAC (Heating, Ventilation, and Air Conditioning) technicians in Illinois continues to grow, with employers seeking individuals who offer a blend of technical expertise, adaptability, and strong customer service skills. From large medical complexes to family-owned service companies, Illinois employers prioritize candidates with both hands-on mechanical proficiency and a commitment to delivering excellent customer experiences. Additionally, crossover skills in electrical work, plumbing, and general maintenance are often highly valued.
Core Skills and Qualifications
Employers across Illinois typically seek HVAC technicians with the following qualifications:
- Technical Proficiency:
- Installation, repair, and maintenance of residential and commercial HVAC systems.
- Experience with ducted and ductless systems, refrigerant handling, and control wiring.
- Ability to diagnose and troubleshoot complex HVAC issues.
- Familiarity with power tools, hand tools, and diagnostic equipment.
- EPA Certification (such as 608 Universal Certification) is frequently required, particularly for handling refrigerants.
- Some employers, such as Kelly Services in Lockport, IL, prefer candidates with an associate degree in HVAC or equivalent certifications.
- Physical and Mechanical Skills:
- Employers expect technicians to handle physically demanding tasks, including lifting heavy equipment (up to 100 lbs) and working in various weather conditions.
- The role often requires proficiency in related trades, including electrical, plumbing, and general construction skills.
- For instance, Hopedale Medical Complex seeks HVAC technicians with experience in electrical systems, fans, pumps, and plumbing repairs, highlighting the need for multi-disciplinary skills.
- Licenses and Certifications:
- A valid driver’s license with a clean driving record is almost universally required.
- Some companies, like Rose Heating & Air Conditioning in Decatur, also look for NATE Core Certification with specialized endorsements.
Employer Expectations for Experience Levels
Illinois employers offer opportunities for both entry-level apprentices and seasoned technicians:
- Apprenticeships and Entry-Level Roles:
- Companies like Deljo Heating and Cooling in Chicago and TR Miller Heating and Cooling in Tinley Park offer on-the-job training and opportunities for apprentices to gain hands-on experience under the guidance of senior technicians.
- These roles typically involve assisting with installations, performing maintenance, and learning safety protocols.
- Experienced Technicians:
- Companies such as Kelly Services and PremiStar – North seek candidates with 2+ years of commercial HVAC experience for more advanced technician roles.
- In addition to core HVAC skills, employers value expertise in diagnosing complex systems and managing larger-scale commercial installations.
Crossover Skills and Multi-Disciplinary Expertise
HVAC roles in Illinois often require crossover skills in related fields:
- Electrical and Plumbing:
- Many employers expect technicians to have basic to advanced electrical and plumbing knowledge. For example, Hopedale Medical Complex lists plumbing and electrical repair skills as key job requirements.
- General Maintenance and Facility Management:
- Positions like the Facilities Maintenance/HVAC Tech role at Hopedale Medical Complex involve a broader range of skills, including grounds maintenance, furniture assembly, and vehicle PM (preventive maintenance).
- This reflects the growing trend of HVAC technicians handling general building maintenance tasks.
- Customer Service Skills:
- In residential HVAC roles, strong interpersonal skills are critical. Companies like TR Miller emphasize the importance of providing five-star customer service, highlighting the value placed on professionalism and client communication.
Compensation and Benefits
HVAC technician salaries in Illinois range from $23 to $32 per hour or $40,000 to $60,000+ annually, depending on experience and certifications. Companies frequently offer competitive benefits, including:
- Healthcare: Full medical, dental, and vision insurance. Some employers, such as Precision Today, offer 100% employer-paid healthcare coverage.
- Retirement Plans: Most employers provide 401(k) plans with company matching (ranging from 3% to 4%).
- Paid Time Off: Generous vacation policies, paid holidays, and sick leave.
- Company Perks:
- Company vehicles, gas cards, and cell phones are often included.
- Bonuses, performance incentives, and paid training are common in both residential and commercial HVAC roles.
Notable Employers in Illinois
Several reputable HVAC employers in Illinois stand out for their benefits, company culture, and growth opportunities:
- Deljo Heating and Cooling (Chicago, IL): Known for its team-centric environment and no on-call requirement, offering a good work-life balance.
- TR Miller Heating and Cooling (Tinley Park, IL): Emphasizes opportunities for advancement and offers a comprehensive benefits package.
- Rose Heating & Air Conditioning (Decatur, IL): A family-owned company recognized as #1 HVAC dealer in North America, offering career growth and performance bonuses.
- Kelly Services (Lockport, IL): Offers direct-hire roles with commercial HVAC opportunities, providing stability and full benefits.
Key Takeaways for HVAC Job Seekers in Illinois
- Multi-Skill Versatility: Technicians with skills in plumbing, electrical work, and general maintenance have a competitive edge.
- Certifications Matter: Having an EPA 608 Certification is often a baseline requirement. Additional certifications (NATE, HVAC licenses) can significantly boost earning potential.
- Customer Service is Critical: For residential roles, employers prioritize customer-focused technicians who can build rapport and deliver excellent service.
- Growth Potential: Many companies, like TR Miller, offer clear career advancement pathways and on-the-job training, making the field attractive for long-term career seekers.
By building a combination of technical expertise, customer service skills, and multi-disciplinary knowledge, HVAC technicians in Illinois can position themselves for both stability and growth in a rewarding field.