Plumber Salary in Northbrook, IL: $90,664 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Northbrook, IL earns a median $90,664/year (≈ $43.59/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Northbrook's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $93,372 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 1.4% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Northbrook, Illinois, plumbers can anticipate a median annual salary of $90,664 in 2026, significantly surpassing the national median of $65,408 by 38.61%. The local salary range is noteworthy, spanning from $63,705 at the 10th percentile to $140,528 for those in the 90th percentile. These figures reflect the area's specific market dynamics, particularly the influence of union versus non-union employment. Union pipefitters, especially those affiliated with the United Association (UA), tend to command higher wages, making a substantial impact on the overall average. This competitive wage structure illustrates how the Northbrook job market favors skilled plumbers, particularly those with specialized credentials and experience in high-demand sectors.
About the Northbrook Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,705 | $30.62 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,078 | $34.17 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $90,664 | $43.59 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,050 | $55.79 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $140,528 | $67.56 |
Median Salary Position
38.61% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Northbrook
In Northbrook, IL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $76,823 (2026 est.). At $90,664, the local median is 38.61% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Northbrook: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Northbrook Plumber Pay Compares
Northbrook median: $90,664/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Northbrook Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $91,951 | -1.40% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +38.61% more |
Plumbers in Northbrook, IL earn a median of $90,664 per year (2026 est.), which is 38.61% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 1.40% below the Illinois state average of $91,951.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Northbrook 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.
Northbrook, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $90,664 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $93,372 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$76,459
2025 BLS Actual
$88,435
2026 Current Est.
$90,664
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Northbrook (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $76,459 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,081 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,001 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,292 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,316 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,196 | Actual |
| 2025 | $88,435 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $90,664 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $92,948 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Northbrook metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $76,459 (2019) to $88,435 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $92,948 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,489 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Northbrook 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) | $63,705 – $71,078 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,078 – $90,664 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $90,664 – $116,050 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,050 – $140,528 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Northbrook
With only eight plumbers currently employed in the area, Northbrook's job market presents a unique opportunity for both newcomers and seasoned professionals. The area's cost of living index stands at 97.1, which suggests that plumbers in Northbrook enjoy a comparable purchasing power relative to a lower cost region. Among various employers, union plumbing contractors typically offer the most competitive compensation, benefiting from the premium associated with skilled pipefitting labor. Meanwhile, self-employed plumbers and large service companies like Roto-Rooter and ARS may also provide lucrative options, albeit with more variable income potential primarily driven by commission structures and overtime. Factors such as specialized skills in medical gas plumbing and the possession of master licenses can further differentiate salary potential. To maximize earnings, plumbers should pursue certifications in high-demand specialties, consider union affiliation, and leverage both local connections and demand trends in the industry.
More salary data for Northbrook, 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 $88,435 for plumbersin the Northbrook 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 Northbrook 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