HVAC & Pipefitter Salary in Chicago
Metro area wage data for hvac and refrigeration mechanics from the BLS OEWS program, May 2025.
Wage figures reflect all hvac & pipefitters across all employment types, union and non-union, residential and commercial, apprentice through master. Union journeymen typically earn above the area median. Non-union residential work typically falls below it.
UA Local 597 anchors one of the largest pipefitter markets in the country.
Chicago's pipefitter market runs through UA Local 597, with over 6,000 members one of the UA's largest pipefitter locals. Illinois prevailing wage law applies to public construction, and the metro's density of commercial, industrial, and infrastructure work sustains above-average demand. Healthcare, data center, and industrial facility construction have added to the pipeline in recent years.
- →UA Local 597 — one of the UA's largest pipefitter locals, 6,000+ members
- →Illinois Prevailing Wage Act covers public construction
- →Healthcare, data center, and industrial facility construction sustaining demand
UA Local 597 journeyman pipefitter Journey-Level Rate
Union scale reflects the UA Local 597 journeyman pipefitter journey-level rate under the current collective bargaining agreement. The BLS area median reflects all hvac & pipefitters across all employment types and experience levels.
| Training Center | Pipe Fitters' Training Center Local Union 597 |
| Address | 10850 W. 187th Street, Mokena, IL 60448 |
| Phone | (708) 326-9240 |
| Minimum Score | No minimum |
Applying to UA Local 597?
The aptitude test is required for all applicants to UA Local 597. See what to expect and how to prepare.
What to expect →All hvac & pipefitters — union and non-union, all experience levels
All hvac & pipefitters — union and non-union, all experience levels. Wage figures only, employer-paid benefits, pension contributions, and health and welfare are not included.
| Annual Median Wage | $77,960 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $79,340 |
| Hourly Median Wage | $37.48 |
| Hourly Mean Wage | $38.14 |
| Total Employed | 7,210 |
| Area Type | Metropolitan Area |
Journey-level rates sourced directly from local collective bargaining agreements across the country's major construction markets. Union density and market conditions vary significantly by region.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 - SOC 49-9021 (HVAC and Refrigeration Mechanics) - Cross-Industry, All Ownership
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