Plumber Salary in Carol Stream, IL: $89,123 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Carol Stream, IL earns a median $89,123/year (≈ $42.84/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Carol Stream's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $91,785 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 3.0% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carol Stream, Illinois, the projected median annual salary for plumbers in 2026 is $89,123, which is significantly higher than the national median of $65,408, reflecting a notable 36.26% premium in local compensation. This occupational market features a salary range from a low of $60,176 at the 10th percentile to a high of $138,141 at the 90th percentile, showcasing a diverse spectrum of earnings based on experience and skill level. These figures, drawn from estimates based on 2025 BLS data and adjusted for local cost of living, indicate that both union pipefitters and non-union service plumbers play vital roles in meeting market demands. However, the pay gap remains evident, with union wages consistently outperforming non-union service work, which is critical to understanding the dynamics of the plumber salary in Carol Stream.
About the Carol Stream Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $60,176 | $28.93 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $73,424 | $35.30 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $89,123 | $42.84 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $114,077 | $54.85 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $138,141 | $66.41 |
Median Salary Position
36.26% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carol Stream
In Carol Stream, IL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $77,965 (2026 est.). At $89,123, the local median is 36.26% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carol Stream: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carol Stream Plumber Pay Compares
Carol Stream median: $89,123/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carol Stream Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $91,879 | -3.00% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +36.26% more |
Plumbers in Carol Stream, IL earn a median of $89,123 per year (2026 est.), which is 36.26% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 3.00% below the Illinois state average of $91,879.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carol Stream has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carol Stream, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $89,123 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $91,785 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$75,159
2025 BLS Actual
$86,932
2026 Current Est.
$89,123
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Carol Stream (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $75,159 | Actual |
| 2020 | $76,754 | Actual |
| 2021 | $81,591 | Actual |
| 2022 | $81,877 | Actual |
| 2023 | $83,866 | Actual |
| 2024 | $84,731 | Actual |
| 2025 | $86,932 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $89,123 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $91,369 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carol Stream metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $75,159 (2019) to $86,932 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $91,369 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,210 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carol Stream 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.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $60,176 – $73,424 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $73,424 – $89,123 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $89,123 – $114,077 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $114,077 – $138,141 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Carol Stream
Focusing on the local job market, Carol Stream is home to a modest number of employed plumbers, with only 10 currently practicing in the area. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 97.1, this suggests that while wages may appear strong, the purchasing power might be less than expected when factoring in everyday expenses for residents. Among the various employers, UA union plumbing contractors tend to provide the highest compensation, capitalizing on the premium associated with specialized skills such as medical gas and backflow prevention. On the other hand, self-employed plumbers and those working for large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS have variable income structures, often reliant on commission and overtime pay. The broad disparity in wages is influenced by union status, specialty credentials, and the competitive nature of service versus industrial plumbing jobs. For plumbers in Carol Stream, those looking to maximize their pay should consider obtaining additional licenses and certifications while focusing on expanding their skills in high-demand areas like industrial maintenance or specialty plumbing to remain competitive in the evolving job market.
More salary data for Carol Stream, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
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 BLS reported a median annual salary of $86,932 for plumbersin the Carol Stream metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carol Stream 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