HVAC & Mechanical Talent Report: Midwestern United States
Reshoring, EV, and mission-critical work in Ohio and the Great Lakes are compressing the historical Midwest discount.
$143k
4.2% YoY
Chicago, IL
$197k
2,455
432 active
116%
10 metros
Regional mid compensation by role
Role-by-role compensation bands
| Role | Region low | Region mid | Region high | Top metro | Value metro |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mechanical Project Manager | $127k | $153k | $193k | Chicago, IL ($168k) | Kansas City, MO ($149k) |
| Senior Mechanical PM | $149k | $180k | $227k | Chicago, IL ($197k) | Kansas City, MO ($175k) |
| Mechanical Superintendent | $118k | $143k | $180k | Chicago, IL ($157k) | Kansas City, MO ($139k) |
| HVAC Service Manager | $108k | $131k | $164k | Chicago, IL ($143k) | Kansas City, MO ($128k) |
| HVAC Service Technician | $77k | $94k | $118k | Chicago, IL ($103k) | Kansas City, MO ($91k) |
| Chiller Technician | $98k | $119k | $150k | Chicago, IL ($130k) | Kansas City, MO ($115k) |
Ranges reflect Gulfstream placement data (2024–Q1 2026) cross-checked against BLS OEWS. Mid = midpoint for 8–15 yr experience; low/high apply a ±15% envelope for junior and senior seniority.
Metros covered in this report
- Chicago, IL×1.08
- Minneapolis–St. Paul, MN×1.03
- Detroit, MI×1.00
- Cleveland, OH×0.97
- Columbus, OH×0.97
- Cincinnati, OH×0.96
- Indianapolis, IN×0.96
- Kansas City, MO×0.96
- St. Louis, MO×0.97
- Milwaukee, WI×0.98
Cite or embed this report
Suggested citation
Gulfstream Strategic Placements. "HVAC Comp Report — Midwest 2026 | Gulfstream SP." Regional Trade Reports, January 2026. https://gulfstreamsp.com/reports/midwest/hvacEmbed link (rel=canonical to this page)
<a href="https://gulfstreamsp.com/reports/midwest/hvac">HVAC Comp Report — Midwest 2026 | Gulfstream SP — Gulfstream Strategic Placements</a>Hiring HVAC talent in Midwest?
Our network already includes 2,455 candidates in this region. Start a search and we will tell you honestly what it takes to fill your role.
Related reports
Plumbing & Piping · Midwest
Plumbing & Piping Talent Report
Sheet Metal · Midwest
Sheet Metal Talent Report
VDC / BIM · Midwest
VDC / BIM Talent Report
HVAC · West
Data-center backlog and California healthcare pipelines continue to pull mechanical wages …
HVAC · Texas / South Central
Semiconductor fabs, LNG expansion and Sun Belt migration are absorbing every senior PM the…
HVAC · Southeast
EV plants, life-sciences, and hospitality mega-projects are re-pricing traditionally lower…