Pay data / Plumbers / Salary / Illinois
Plumber Salary
in Illinois
Plumbers in Illinois (IL) earn a median of $68,900 a year, about $33 an hour. That runs roughly 12% above the national median for plumbers, with most earning between $43,700 and $113,300.
Bottom 10%
$43,700
IL Median
$68,900
Top 10%
$113,300
Plumber pay by experience in Illinois
- Apprentice$41,300$20/hr
Working toward a journeyman license over 4-5 years.
- Journeyman$68,900$33/hr
Licensed to work independently.
- Master$93,000$45/hr
Permits, inspections, and running the crew.
Plumber pay in Illinois metros
- Chicago$68,300$33/hr
- Aurora$68,800$33/hr
- Rockford$66,000$32/hr
Licensing in Illinois
Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work.
Frequently asked
- How much do plumbers make in Illinois?
- Plumbers in Illinois earn a median of $68,900 per year, about $33 per hour. That is roughly 12% above the national median. Most earn between $43,700 and $113,300.
- What is the highest-paying place for plumbers in Illinois?
- Among Illinois's major metros, Aurora tends to pay plumbers the most, near $68,800 a year.
- Do you need a license to work as a plumber in Illinois?
- Yes. Plumbers are state-licensed, moving Apprentice, Journeyman, then Master. A licensed plumber is required to permit and inspect most work. Licensing in Illinois is handled at the state level, and a licensed person is required to permit and sign off on most work.
Plumber pay in other states
Figures are estimates for 2026, anchored to national wage data and localized for Illinois by cost of living and market conditions. Actual pay varies by employer, certification, and project.