Plumber Salaries in Illinois — 2026 Overview
BLS 2026Illinois pays plumbers a median wage of $96,200 per year — that's $46.25/hr based on the latest Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS survey. The state's 18,730 plumbers make up a meaningful portion of the regional workforce.
Plumber salaries in Illinois are above the national average by approximately $30,852. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
A solid industrial economy and stable population mean plumbers in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
Illinois Plumber Take-Home Pay Calculator
InteractiveEnter your gross annual salary to estimate take-home pay in Illinois after federal tax, Social Security and Medicare. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Estimate based on 2026 federal tax brackets, single filer, standard deduction. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%. Does not account for local taxes or benefit deductions.
Am I Paid Fairly? — Illinois Plumber Check
InteractiveEnter your current salary to see how it compares to the Illinois median of $96,200.
Plumber Salary by Experience — Illinois
Plumber Salary Trend in Illinois — 2021 to 2026
5-Year DataOver the past five years, Illinois has seen 13.9% wage growth for plumbers — broadly in line with cost-of-living changes across the region. The growth reflects broader workforce and economic conditions in Illinois's construction and building services.
Plumber Salary by City — Illinois
BLS Metro Data| City / Metro Area | Annual Median | Hourly | vs State | Jobs |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $106,800 | $51.35 | +11.0% | 6,555 |
| Aurora | $101,950 | $49.01 | +6.0% | 5,244 |
| Naperville | $99,100 | $47.64 | +3.0% | 3,371 |
| Joliet | $92,350 | $44.40 | -4.0% | 1,685 |
| Rockford | $87,550 | $42.09 | -9.0% | 1,123 |
| Springfield | $83,700 | $40.24 | -13.0% | 749 |
Tip: Chicago offers the highest plumber salaries in Illinois at $106,800/yr — +11.0% above the state average.
Illinois vs Nearby States — Purchasing Power
Cost of Living AdjustedGross salary figures don't tell the whole story. After adjusting for state income tax, Illinois sits in the mid-range for plumbers.
Take-home estimates based on single filer, standard deduction, 2026 federal brackets. Illinois has a flat state income tax rate of 4.95%.
Plumber Job Outlook in Illinois
BLS ProjectionsEmployment for plumbers in Illinois is projected to grow over the next decade, driven by strong demand across the Illinois job market. A solid industrial economy and stable population mean plumbers in Illinois enjoy reliable job security.
How to Earn More as a Plumber in Illinois
1. Pursue advanced certification or licensing. Moving from entry to senior level as a plumber in Illinois typically adds $78,900 to your annual salary. Additional certifications from the State Plumbing Licensing Board can accelerate this progression.
2. Target the highest-paying city. Chicago pays plumbers $106,800/yr — +11.0% above the Illinois average. Simply relocating within Illinois can meaningfully increase your income without changing careers.
3. Specialise in high-demand areas. Plumbers who specialise in construction and building services typically command premium rates in Illinois. Identifying growing niches within your field is one of the fastest paths to higher pay.
4. Consider neighbouring states. Wisconsin pays plumbers $78,510/yr — -18.4% vs Illinois.
Find Plumber Jobs in Illinois
Live ListingsSearch current plumber job vacancies in Illinois:
🔍 Plumber jobs in Illinois — Indeed→ 🔍 Plumber jobs in Illinois — ZipRecruiter→ 🔍 Plumber jobs — Chicago, IL→