Plumber Hourly Pay in Des Plaines, IL: $42.72 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a plumber working in Des Plaines, IL runs $42.72 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $88,863 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Weighted against Des Plaines's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $44.00 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $53,315 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
Plumbers in Des Plaines, Illinois, can expect a solid median hourly pay of $42.72, significantly higher than the national median of $31.45. This competitive rate allows many plumbers to thrive, whether working part-time, often just three days a week, or as per-diem employees across various settings such as residential service calls, commercial projects, and industrial sites. For entry-level positions, hourly rates start around $29.82, while top earners can make up to $66.22. The wide range reflects the diversity in the profession, including self-employed contractors who may charge higher effective rates due to overhead costs, as well as specialists handling medical gas or backflow prevention duties. These hourly rates provide excellent opportunities for skilled tradespeople, particularly those with specialized training or union affiliations, as local market conditions amplify earning potential.
About the Des Plaines Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Plumber Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $29.82 | $238.58 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $32.55 | $260.40 |
| Median (P50) | $42.72 | $341.76 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $54.68 | $437.47 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $66.22 | $529.74 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in Des Plaines
Based on $42.72/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.72/hr, a plumber working full-time (40 hr/wk) in Des Plaines, IL can expect to earn approximately $88,858 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $51,264. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in Des Plaines.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in Des Plaines
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,708.80 | $7,405 | $88,858 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,025.28 | $4,443 | $53,315 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $683.52 | $2,962 | $35,543 |
Compare Plumber Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Plumber (Des Plaines) | $42.72 |
| Electrician (National Avg) | $31.97 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Pipefitter / Steamfitter (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| Construction Laborer (National Avg) | $22.95 |
Plumbers in Des Plaines, IL earn a median of $88,863 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.86% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 3.30% below the Illinois state average of $91,896.
Plumber Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.72/hr = $53,315/year (purchasing power: $54,907).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $88,858/year (purchasing power: $91,512).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.03/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.67/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.72/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Plumbers in Des Plaines (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.03/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $36.79/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.11/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.25/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.20/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $40.62/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.67/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.72/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $43.80/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for plumbers in Des Plaines grew 15.7% from $36.03/hr (2019) to $41.67/hr (2025). At a 2.52% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $43.80/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem plumbers can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Des Plaines 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.
Working as an Hourly Plumber in Des Plaines
When considering part-time work, a plumber operating three days a week typically accumulates 24 hours. Based on current estimates, this schedule translates into approximately $53,200 annually, demonstrating the demand for dependable plumbing services. Furthermore, per-diem plumbers on out-of-town assignments often receive daily allowances ranging from $100 to $175 on top of their base pay of $40 to $65 per hour. In Des Plaines, variations in hourly compensation also stem from the type of employer. Union contractors often provide higher wages and benefits compared to non-union firms, creating a trade-off between hourly pay and health insurance packages. With a growing emphasis on specialized services, plumbers should consider their options wisely; negotiating hourly rates can significantly impact overall financial health. Whether affiliated with the UA or working independently, plumbers equipped with the right skills and credentials can secure favorable conditions in both the residential and industrial sectors.
More salary data for Des Plaines, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the hourly rate for plumbers in Des Plaines in 2026?
How much do part-time plumbers make in Des Plaines?
Are plumbers in Des Plaines paid hourly or salary?
How much does a full-time plumber make per year in Des Plaines?
Do plumbers earn more per hour working part-time in Des Plaines?
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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for plumbers in Des Plaines. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Des Plaines 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