Champaign vs Rockford: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Champaign, IL and Rockford, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Champaign, IL | Rockford, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $97,937▲ | $96,605 |
| Hourly Rate | $47.09▲ | $46.45 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $51,957 | $52,213▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $67,581▲ | $65,674 |
| 75th Percentile | $115,694 | $121,353▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $115,694 | $123,168▲ |
| Total Employed | 390 | 440▲ |
Verdict
Champaign and Rockford are closely matched on overall plumber compensation, each winning on different metrics.
The salary gap between Champaign and Rockford is $1,332 (1.38%). Champaign's median is +49.73% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Champaign spans $63,737,Rockford spans $70,955. Rockford has a wider pay range, suggesting more variation in pay between entry-level and experienced plumbers.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Champaign ($105,645 effective) pays 0.78% more than Rockford ($104,830 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Champaign if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($97,937/year)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $105,645)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($123,168)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Champaign grew 17.0% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 5.7% growth in Rockford over the same period.
Champaign, IL
$81,660 (2019) → $95,530 (2025)
Rockford, IL
$89,120 (2019) → $94,230 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Champaign, IL
Rockford, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Champaign or Rockford?
What is the hourly rate difference between Champaign and Rockford?
Should I relocate from Champaign to Rockford as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Champaign vs Rockford?
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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
All salary figures are 2026 projections based on BLS OEWS May 2025 data. A 2.52% CAGR (derived from 6-year national BLS trends) was applied to estimate current compensation. Cost-of-living adjustments use BEA Regional Price Parity data. Actual salaries vary by employer, certifications, and experience.
Data Sources & Methodology
Source: BLS, OEWS , released .
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov