Entry-Level Plumber Salary in Cicero, IL: $62,282 (2026)
Quick Answer:New plumbers entering the Cicero, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $62,282 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2152, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cicero's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $64,142 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,973) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Starting your career as a plumber in Cicero, Illinois, offers competitive opportunities, with a projected starting plumber salary of $62,282 in 2026. While this entry-level wage is below the city’s median annual salary of $88,973, aspiring plumbers can anticipate a steady growth trajectory in their earnings over the first few years. Entry-level professionals reaching the 25th percentile may earn around $69,860, providing a pathway towards the median salary as they gain experience and skills. The market is favorable for new graduates, thanks to ongoing demand from aging infrastructure and a retiring workforce, making Cicero a suitable locale for those beginning their plumbing careers.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cicero
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Entry-level plumbers in Cicero, IL typically start between $62,282 and $69,860 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $75,626 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,973 — 36.03% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average plumbing program cost in Illinois of $16,000 represents just 25.69% of the starting plumber pay ($62,282/year) in Cicero. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect apprenticeship-based training (primarily paid OJT) with union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction fees. Non-union/trade school pathways cost more. Actual costs vary by local UA chapter and state licensing requirements.
Plumber Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cicero
- 1Research the Cicero market: entry-level plumber pay ranges from $62,282 to $69,860, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the plumbing field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cicero, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cicero for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cicero's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Plumber Compensation Range
The plumber wage spread in Cicero is $75,626 ( 121.43%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $62,282, experienced hygienists can earn up to $137,908.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$44,982
2025 BLS Actual
$60,751
2026 Current Est.
$62,282
2019–2027 Growth
+41.9%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $44,982 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,041 | Actual |
| 2021 | $50,500 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,257 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,238 | Actual |
| 2024 | $55,310 | Actual |
| 2025 | $60,751 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $62,282 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $63,851 | Projected |
Entry-level plumber compensation (10th percentile) in Cicero, IL grew 35.1% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $44,982 in 2019 to $60,751 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $63,851. New graduates entering the Cicero job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your plumbing Career in Cicero
In Cicero, employers seeking new grad plumbers mainly include UA Local apprenticeship programs, which provide structured training lasting 4-5 years. Non-union contractors also play a vital role by offering apprenticeships that combine hands-on experience with mentorship. Large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS, while primarily hiring licensed journeymen, can occasionally recruit entry-level positions with an eye on future commission-based earnings. To enhance starting pay in Illinois, acquiring credentials such as a journeyman plumbing license, or additional specialties like backflow prevention tester certification, can significantly boost your marketability. New plumbers should focus on gaining experience quickly, as the varying wages present in the service plumbing sector can range widely, depending on employment type. Those dedicated to advancing through UA or specializing in medical gas will likely see substantial salary growth in the first 1-3 years as demand remains steady, driven by an older plumber workforce and the need for modern infrastructure repair.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for plumbers in Cicero in 2026?
How fast do plumber salaries grow in Cicero?
Is plumbing school worth it in Cicero?
What do new plumbers make right out of school in Cicero?
How do I become a plumber in Illinois?
Related Pages
Compare Salaries
Career Resources
Nearby Cities in Illinois
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
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new plumbing graduates. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cicero. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov