Plumber Salary in Chicago, IL: $105,985 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Chicago, IL earns a median $105,985/year (≈ $50.95/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Chicago's price level (4% above national, BEA RPP 103.6), that paycheck buys what $102,307 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 15.3% above the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In 2026, the projected plumber salary in Chicago is estimated to be $105,985, significantly higher than the national median of $65,408. The salary range for plumbers in this area varies widely, from $55,320 at the lower end (P10) to $130,405 at the upper end (P90), reflecting diverse employment opportunities within the plumbing industry. This data is derived from the most recent official Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) surveys. As Chicago's plumbing market evolves, a premium is placed on specialized skills such as medical gas and underground utility work, increasing compensation and job security for those who can obtain these critical certifications.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $55,320 | $26.59 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $76,172 | $36.62 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,985 | $50.95 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $125,628 | $60.39 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $130,405 | $62.69 |
Median Salary Position
62.04% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Chicago
In Chicago, IL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $75,085 (2026 est.). At $105,985, the local median is 62.04% above the national median of $65,408.
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At 40 hours/week in Chicago: You'd be above the median
How Chicago Plumber Pay Compares
Chicago median: $105,985/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Chicago Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $91,921 | +15.30% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +62.04% more |
Plumbers in Chicago, IL earn a median of $105,985 per year (2026 est.), which is 62.04% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 15.30% above the Illinois state average of $91,921.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Chicago has a cost of living 3.59% above the national average.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Chicago, IL has a cost-of-living index of 103.595 (above the national average of 100). While the nominal salary of $105,985 is competitive, the higher cost of living reduces purchasing power to an effective $102,307 — a 3.47% reduction.
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2019 BLS Actual
$94,100
2025 BLS Actual
$103,380
2026 Current Est.
$105,985
2019–2027 Growth
+15.5%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Chicago (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $94,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,910 | Actual |
| 2021 | $98,040 | Actual |
| 2022 | $100,560 | Actual |
| 2023 | $101,560 | Actual |
| 2024 | $98,890 | Actual |
| 2025 | $103,380 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,985 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $108,656 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Chicago metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 9.9% from $94,100 (2019) to $103,380 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $108,656 by 2027 — a total increase of $14,556 (15.47%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Chicago 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) | $55,320 – $76,172 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $76,172 – $105,985 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,985 – $125,628 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $125,628 – $130,405 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Chicago
Chicago’s job market for plumbers is robust, employing approximately 12,750 professionals. With a cost-of-living index of 103.595, potential wage earners must consider how this affects their take-home pay. Plumbers in this area can seek higher salaries from union contractors affiliated with the United Association (UA), where the wages tend to run 30-50% above those offered by non-union employers. Sectors like industrial maintenance and medical gas installation are particularly lucrative, often requiring specialized credentials and experience. The discrepancy in pay among plumbers is influenced by factors such as licensing, the nature of work (residential vs. commercial vs. industrial), and commission structures at service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS. Focusing on advanced certifications, diversifying skills, and gaining experience in high-demand specialties can significantly enhance a plumber's earning potential in Chicago, IL.
More salary data for Chicago, 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 $103,380 for plumbersin the Chicago 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
Source: BLS, OEWS, 7-year dataset (–). Per-city data from annual BLS metropolitan area surveys.
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