Plumber Salary in Illinois 2026:
$99,950 Average ($48.05/hr)
Updated 19 June 2026
Illinois plumbers earn $36,150 above the national median of $63,800. Here is the full breakdown by metro, experience level, and licensing.
Illinois Median
$99,950/yr
Hourly Rate
$48.05/hr
vs National
+$36,150
Top 10% Earn
$126,430+
Where Illinois Ranks Nationally
National Rank (Raw Pay)
#1
of 50 states
Cost of Living Index
98
100 = national average
COL-Adjusted Salary
$101,990
purchasing power equiv.
Plumber Pay by Metro Area in Illinois
Wages vary significantly within the state. Major metros with strong union presence tend to pay the most.
| Metro Area | Median Annual |
|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville Metro | $109,600 |
| Rockford Metro | $85,500 |
| Peoria Metro | $82,900 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $80,800 |
| Springfield Metro | $78,900 |
Metro figures are estimates derived from the BLS OEWS May 2025 state median; actual MSA wages vary.
Pay by Experience Level in Illinois
Career stage matters more than any other factor except geography. Here is what each level earns in Illinois.
| Career Level | Hourly | Annual |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice (Year 1) | $24 - $32/hr | $50,000 - $66,000 |
| Apprentice (Year 4) | $34 - $44/hr | $71,000 - $91,000 |
| Journeyman | $44 - $58/hr | $91,000 - $121,000 |
| Master Plumber (Employee) | $52 - $68/hr | $108,000 - $141,000 |
| Self-Employed Owner | $100 - $200/hr billed | $100,000 - $300,000 net |
Illinois Plumbing License Requirements
To work legally as a plumber in Illinois, you must hold the appropriate state license. Here is what is required.
Licensing Authority
Licensing varies by municipality; Chicago requires city license; state license through Illinois Department of Public Health
Journeyman Requirement
Varies by city; Chicago requires UA JATC completion
Master Plumber Requirement
Varies by city; Chicago: UA Local 130 master track
Reciprocity
Some cities have reciprocity; Chicago does not
Exam Fee
$100-$200 depending on jurisdiction
Full 50-state licensing matrix: plumbing license requirements by state.
Union Plumbers in Illinois
UA Local 130 (Chicago - one of the largest plumbers unions in the country), UA Local 99 (Rockford), UA Local 25 (Waukegan). ~60% in Chicago metro; one of the highest union rates in the country.
Union plumbers in Illinois typically earn 25 to 40 percent more in total compensation (base wages plus health insurance, pension, and annuity) compared to non-union plumbers at the same experience level. See the full comparison at union vs non-union plumber pay.
Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois, particularly the Chicago metro, is the highest-paying plumbing market in the country by nominal wages, driven by the strong UA Local 130 presence and high union penetration in commercial and industrial work. Cost of living near the national average makes Illinois the best value for plumber purchasing power among top-paying states.
Biggest Employers in Illinois
- +Hill Mechanical Group (Chicago)
- +Pepper Construction
- +Power Construction
- +Walsh Construction
- +F.E. Moran (mechanical and fire protection)