How Plumbers in Illinois get paid in 2026 — median, range, experience tiers, metro breakdown, and a comparison against national pay.
Pay tiers reflect typical Illinois compensation across career stages. Specialized employers may pay above these ranges.
| Experience | Median 2026 | 25th % | 75th % |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry (0–1 yr) | $67,200 | $51,100 | $87,400 |
| Junior (2–4 yrs) | $83,500 | $63,500 | $108,600 |
| Mid-Level (5–9 yrs) | $96,000 | $73,000 | $124,900 |
| Senior (10–14 yrs) | $115,200 | $87,600 | $149,800 |
| Veteran (15+ yrs) | $130,500 | $99,200 | $169,800 |
Pay varies sharply within Illinois. Major metros usually outpay state-wide averages.
| Metro | Median | 25th % | 75th % | vs Illinois |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chicago | $85,600 | $65,000 | $111,200 | -11% |
Top occupations by median pay in Illinois — useful context if you're weighing a career switch.
→ See full ranking of top 25 highest-paying jobs in Illinois
If you'd consider relocating, here's how regional and comparable markets pay for the same job.
The average Plumber salary in Illinois is $96,000 per year as of 2026, based on projections from BLS Occupational Employment Statistics. The 25th percentile sits at $73,000 and the 75th at $124,900.
Pay-wise, Illinois sits +32% above the national Plumber median ($72,800). That makes it one of the stronger markets — though cost of living should always be factored in alongside raw salary.
Senior Plumbers (10–14 years of experience) in Illinois earn around $115,200 per year on average. Veterans with 15+ years can reach $130,500 or more, especially at the 75th percentile and above.
Among all 51 jurisdictions (50 states + DC), Illinois ranks 5th for Plumber pay. The highest-paying state pays around $106,200 on average.
The median is a benchmark, not a verdict. Your exact market value depends on your experience and education — plus your specific employer's pay band. Run the free calculator for a personalized number.
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