Rockford vs Tinley Park: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Rockford, IL and Tinley Park, IL. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Rockford, IL | Tinley Park, IL |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $96,605▲ | $90,757 |
| Hourly Rate | $46.45▲ | $43.63 |
| Entry Level (P10) | $52,213 | $66,004▲ |
| 25th Percentile | $65,674 | $73,396▲ |
| 75th Percentile | $121,353▲ | $116,168 |
| Top Earner (P90) | $123,168 | $140,673▲ |
| Total Employed | 440▲ | 8 |
Verdict
Rockford, IL offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Tinley Park.
The salary gap between Rockford and Tinley Park is $5,848 (6.44%). Rockford's median is +47.70% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Rockford spans $70,955,Tinley Park spans $74,669. Tinley Park 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, Rockford ($104,830 effective) pays 12.16% more than Tinley Park ($93,468 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Rockford if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($96,605/year)
- ✓Larger job market (440 employed)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $104,830)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Choose Tinley Park if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($140,673)
- ✓You prefer the Illinois area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Rockford grew 5.7% from 2019 to 2025, compared to 2.6% growth in Tinley Park over the same period.
Rockford, IL
$89,120 (2019) → $94,230 (2025)
Tinley Park, IL
$86,284 (2024) → $88,526 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Rockford, IL
Tinley Park, IL
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Rockford or Tinley Park?
What is the hourly rate difference between Rockford and Tinley Park?
Should I relocate from Rockford to Tinley Park as a plumber?
What do entry-level plumbers earn in Rockford vs Tinley Park?
Related Comparisons
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