Plumber Salary in Kankakee, IL: $83,677 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Kankakee, IL earns a median $83,677/year (≈ $40.23/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Kankakee's price level (4% below national, BEA RPP 96.4), that paycheck buys what $86,807 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 9.0% below the Illinois state average.
Official BLS data · View source
In Kankakee, Illinois, plumbers can expect a median annual salary of $83,677 in 2026, which is notably above the national median of $65,408. This regional compensation reflects a salary range from $39,480 at the lower end (P10) to $123,321 at the higher end (P90), showcasing the varied earning potential within the plumbing profession. The data, derived from 2025 BLS OEWS surveys and projected into 2026, highlights how specific specialties can enhance earning opportunities, particularly for those with credentials in medical gas, industrial services, or underground utilities. As the demand for skilled plumbing services continues to rise, the Kankakee job market is poised for growth, making it an attractive destination for both established professionals and newcomers alike.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $39,480 | $18.99 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $60,999 | $29.32 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $83,677 | $40.23 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $112,649 | $54.16 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $123,321 | $59.29 |
Median Salary Position
27.93% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Kankakee
In Kankakee, IL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $83,841 (2026 est.). At $83,677, the local median is 27.93% above the national median of $65,408.
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At 40 hours/week in Kankakee: You'd be above the median
How Kankakee Plumber Pay Compares
Kankakee median: $83,677/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Kankakee Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $91,953 | -9.00% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +27.93% more |
Plumbers in Kankakee, IL earn a median of $83,677 per year (2026 est.), which is 27.93% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 9.00% below the Illinois state average of $91,953.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Kankakee has a cost of living 3.61% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Kankakee, IL has a cost-of-living index of 96.394 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $83,677 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $86,807 in an average-cost city — an effective 3.74% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$91,540
2025 BLS Actual
$81,620
2026 Current Est.
$83,677
2019–2027 Growth
+-6.3%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Kankakee (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $91,540 | Actual |
| 2020 | $96,870 | Actual |
| 2021 | $92,650 | Actual |
| 2022 | $99,730 | Actual |
| 2023 | $80,690 | Actual |
| 2024 | $87,270 | Actual |
| 2025 | $81,620 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $83,677 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $85,785 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Kankakee metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew -10.8% from $91,540 (2019) to $81,620 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $85,785 by 2027 — a total increase of $-5,755 (-6.29%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Kankakee 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) | $39,480 – $60,999 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $60,999 – $83,677 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $83,677 – $112,649 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $112,649 – $123,321 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Kankakee
With around 110 plumbers currently employed in Kankakee, the local job market demonstrates a steady demand for plumbing services, bolstered by the region's cost-of-living index of 96.394, which is below the national average. This lower cost translates to a stronger purchasing power for plumbers, as their salaries stretch further compared to more expensive metropolitan areas. Among local employers, union plumbing contractors typically offer the highest wages, benefiting from the UA (United Association) standard, while non-union outfits and self-employed plumbers face more variability in their pay structures. Factors driving the disparity in wages include differences in work type—residential service, industrial projects, or construction—and the level of certification, such as a master plumber's or contractor's license. For plumbers in Kankakee, maximizing earnings may involve pursuing specialty certifications and gaining experience in high-demand sectors, ensuring greater financial success in a competitive market.
More salary data for Kankakee, 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 $81,620 for plumbersin the Kankakee 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