Plumber Salary in Elgin, IL: $105,040 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Elgin, IL earns a median $105,040/year (≈ $50.50/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Elgin's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $108,177 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 14.3% above the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber salary in Elgin, Illinois is anticipated to reach a median annual figure of $105,040, significantly surpassing the national average of $65,408 by 60.59%. This competitive compensation reflects the economic realities faced by self-employed contractors and those in the traditional employment model within the plumbing trade. The salary range in Elgin varies widely, from $73,867 at the 10th percentile to as high as $162,812 at the 90th percentile, showcasing the vast opportunities available based on skill set and specialization. Local estimates derived from BLS state-level data and adjusted for regional price parities affirm that Elgin offers solid financial prospects for plumbers, positioning the city as an attractive market for both new entrants and seasoned professionals looking to advance their careers.
About the Elgin Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $73,867 | $35.51 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $81,054 | $38.97 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $105,040 | $50.50 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $134,451 | $64.64 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $162,812 | $78.27 |
Median Salary Position
60.59% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Elgin
In Elgin, IL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $88,945 (2026 est.). At $105,040, the local median is 60.59% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Elgin: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Elgin Plumber Pay Compares
Elgin median: $105,040/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Elgin Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $91,898 | +14.30% more |
| National Average | $65,408 | +60.59% more |
Plumbers in Elgin, IL earn a median of $105,040 per year (2026 est.), which is 60.59% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 14.30% above the Illinois state average of $91,898.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Elgin 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.
Elgin, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $105,040 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $108,177 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$88,583
2025 BLS Actual
$102,458
2026 Current Est.
$105,040
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Elgin (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $88,583 | Actual |
| 2020 | $90,462 | Actual |
| 2021 | $96,163 | Actual |
| 2022 | $96,500 | Actual |
| 2023 | $98,845 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,477 | Actual |
| 2025 | $102,458 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $105,040 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $107,687 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Elgin metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $88,583 (2019) to $102,458 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $107,687 by 2027 — a total increase of $19,104 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Elgin 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) | $73,867 – $81,054 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $81,054 – $105,040 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $105,040 – $134,451 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $134,451 – $162,812 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Elgin
The job market in Elgin currently employs 16 plumbers, indicating a niche yet stable demand for plumbing services. Coupled with a cost-of-living index of 97.1, which is below the national average, this situation enhances local plumbers' take-home purchasing power. Among local employers, union plumbing contractors typically offer the highest wages, especially for specialties like medical gas installation and industrial pipefitting, which command premium rates. Non-union contractors, while prevalent, tend to pay less and often utilize commission structures that can lead to fluctuating earnings, particularly in service positions such as those at Roto-Rooter and ARS/Rescue Rooter. Aspiring plumbers in Elgin may find the best strategies to maximize pay through obtaining master and contractor licenses, seeking union membership, or developing niche skills in high-demand areas, ultimately benefiting from the increasing need to replace an aging workforce.
More salary data for Elgin, 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 $102,458 for plumbersin the Elgin 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 Elgin 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