Joliet vs Rockford: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Joliet, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Joliet, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $91,327 | $96,605▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $43.91 | $46.45▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,536▲ | $52,213 |
| 25th Percentile | $71,653▲ | $65,674 |
| 75th Percentile | $116,898 | $121,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $141,557▲ | $123,168 |
| Total Employed | 25 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Joliet.
The salary gap between Joliet and Rockford is $5,278 (5.78%). Rockford's median is +47.70% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Joliet spans $78,021,Rockford spans $70,955. Joliet has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Rockford ($104,830 effective) pays 11.46% more than Joliet ($94,055 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Joliet if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($141,557)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,605/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,830)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Joliet grew 2.6% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 5.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Joliet, IL
$86,827 (2024) → $89,082 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$89,120 (2019) → $94,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Joliet, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Joliet or Rockford?
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Written by Samuel Torres, CWP
Career Analyst
Samuel Torres has 10 years of experience in plumbing. He specializes in residential plumbing systems. He has worked with several home improvement companies.
Methodology & Data Source
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov