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State comparison · 2025

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics salary: California vs Illinois

Occupation

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics in Illinois earn a median of $77,410. In California, $72,560. After cost-of-living, the gap is 15.3% — not 6.3%.

Nominal pay gap
-6.3%
California vs Illinois
COL-adjusted gap
-15.3%
After BEA Regional Price Parities

California

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics

Median
$72,560
p25
$58,280
p75
$90,780
p10
$46,950
p90
$109,060
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
110.7
See full breakdown for California

Illinois

Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics

Median
$77,410
p25
$60,200
p75
$96,030
p10
$46,690
p90
$117,550
COL index (BEA RPP)100 = US average
100.0
See full breakdown for Illinois

BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025. Cost-of-living adjustment from BEA Regional Price Parities (overall index). Hiring velocity from DOL OFLC public disclosure data, recent 180 days vs prior. See methodology.