Plumber Salary in Illinois
Based on 17K+ workers in Illinois
Median Annual Salary (IL)
$99,950
$48.05/hr
vs National Average
$68,560
+45.8% vs national median
Salary Range (10th–90th)
$50K – $126K
17K employed in Illinois
Plumbers in Illinois earn a median salary of $99,950 per year, significantly outpacing many other skilled trades. With approximately 16,750 plumbers working throughout the state, the profession remains in steady demand across residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Illinois plumber salaries sit 46% above the national average, reflecting the state's strong construction market and higher cost of living.
Several factors influence plumber salary in Illinois, including experience level, specialization, and geographic location within the state. Union membership, licensing certifications, and the ability to handle complex commercial projects can substantially impact earning potential. Additionally, seasonal fluctuations in construction activity and local economic conditions affect job availability and compensation packages for both independent contractors and employed professionals.
Salary Distribution — Plumber in Illinois
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th percentile | $50,250 |
| 25th percentile | $72,070 |
| Median (50th percentile) | $99,950 |
| 75th percentile | $120,050 |
| 90th percentile | $126,430 |
Top-Paying Industries for Plumber (U.S.)
Which industries pay Plumbers the most — nationwide figures (industry-level data is not available by state). Plumbers in Illinois tend to follow these industry patterns.
| Industry (U.S.) | Median Salary | Employed (U.S.) |
|---|---|---|
| Utilities | $90,750 | 8K |
| Transportation and Warehousing | $87,730 | 2K |
| Health Care and Social Assistance | $76,510 | 3K |
| Mining, Quarrying, and Oil and Gas Extraction | $74,810 | 2K |
| Government (excl. schools, hospitals & USPS) | $71,660 | 17K |
Source: U.S. BLS OEWS National Industry-Specific estimates, May 2025. National figures (not state-specific).
Historical Salary Trend — Plumber in Illinois vs National
| Year | Median Salary (Illinois) |
|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,370 |
| 2023 | $94,500 |
| 2024 | $96,200 |
| 2025 | $99,950 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,846 |
The latest year is a projection based on recent wage trends — BLS has not yet released that year’s data.
| Year | Illinois Median | National Median |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | $98,370 | $61,508 |
| 2023 | $94,500 | $64,205 |
| 2024 | $96,200 | $65,674 |
| 2025 | $99,950 | $68,560 |
| 2026 (projected) | $103,846 | $71,233 |
Plumber Salary by Experience Level in Illinois
| Experience Level | Years | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Junior | 0-2 yrs | $72,070 |
| Mid-level | 3-5 yrs | $99,950 |
| Senior | 6-9 yrs | $120,050 |
| Staff / Lead | 10+ yrs | $126,430 |
Plumber Salary in Other States
Related Plumber Salaries in Illinois
How other high-demand occupations in Illinois compare to Plumber ($99,950 median).
| Occupation | Median Salary | vs Plumber | Hourly |
|---|---|---|---|
| Airline Pilot in IL | $293,490 | +193.6% | $141.10/hr |
| Construction Supervisor in IL | $105,750 | +5.8% | $50.84/hr |
| Electrician in IL | $99,560 | -0.4% | $47.87/hr |
| Construction Laborer in IL | $60,690 | -39.3% | $29.18/hr |
| Maintenance and Repair Worker in IL | $56,720 | -43.3% | $27.27/hr |
| Automotive Service Technician in IL | $49,170 | -50.8% | $23.64/hr |
| Securities Sales Agent in IL | $99,840 | -0.1% | $48.00/hr |
| Network Administrator in IL | $100,080 | +0.1% | $48.12/hr |
| Civil Engineer in IL | $99,760 | -0.2% | $47.96/hr |
| Occupational Therapist in IL | $99,700 | -0.3% | $47.93/hr |
| Police Officer in IL | $100,520 | +0.6% | $48.33/hr |
| Software Engineer in IL | $99,360 | -0.6% | $47.77/hr |
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do plumbers make in Illinois?
- Plumbers in Illinois earn a median salary of $99,950 per year, or $48 per hour. This is significantly higher than the national average, representing a 45.8% increase compared to plumbers across the United States.
What is the salary range for plumbers working in Illinois?
- The salary range for plumbers in Illinois spans from $50,250 to $126,430 annually. This wide range reflects differences in experience, specialization, and individual business success within the plumbing profession.
Is plumbing a well-paid job in Illinois compared to the national average?
- Yes, plumbing is particularly well-compensated in Illinois, with salaries running 45.8% higher than the national average. The median salary of $99,950 per year demonstrates that Illinois offers above-average earning potential for plumbers.
How many plumbers are employed in Illinois?
- There are approximately 16,750 plumbers currently employed in Illinois. This substantial workforce indicates a stable and active plumbing industry throughout the state.