Shelbyville vs South Bend: Plumber Salary (2026)
Compare plumber salaries between Shelbyville, IN and South Bend, IN. All figures are 2026 estimates projected from BLS 2025 data.
Side-by-Side Comparison
| Metric | Shelbyville, IN | South Bend, IN |
|---|---|---|
| Median Salary | $75,230 | $76,060▲ |
| Hourly Rate | $36.17 | $36.57▲ |
| Entry Level (P10) | $54,168▲ | $47,590 |
| 25th Percentile | $59,577▲ | $55,597 |
| 75th Percentile | $95,574 | $99,291▲ |
| Top Earner (P90) | $116,607▲ | $101,556 |
| Total Employed | 5 | 490▲ |
Verdict
South Bend, IN offers better overall compensation for plumbers, winning 3 out of 4 metrics compared to Shelbyville.
The salary gap between Shelbyville and South Bend is $830 (1.10%). South Bend's median is +16.29% compared to the US national median of $65,408.
Salary Range Comparison
The full salary range (10th to 90th percentile) in Shelbyville spans $62,439,South Bend spans $53,966. Shelbyville has a wider pay range, meaning more potential for high earners but also more variation.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Comparison
After cost-of-living adjustment, Shelbyville ($82,399 effective) pays 0.60% more than South Bend ($81,910 effective).
Cost-of-living adjustment: salary × (100 / CoL index). Index of 100 = national average.
Which City Is Right for You?
Choose Shelbyville if…
- ✓Better top-earner potential ($116,607)
- ✓Better purchasing power (CoL-adjusted: $82,399)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Choose South Bend if…
- ✓Higher median salary ($76,060/year)
- ✓Larger job market (490 employed)
- ✓You prefer the Indiana area and lifestyle
Historical Salary Growth Comparison
Based on BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, plumber salaries in Shelbyville grew 36.1% from 2024 to 2025, compared to 20.1% growth in South Bend over the same period.
Shelbyville, IN
$53,914 (2024) → $73,381 (2025)
South Bend, IN
$61,770 (2019) → $74,190 (2025)
View Full Salary Data
Shelbyville, IN
South Bend, IN
Frequently Asked Questions
Which city pays plumbers more: Shelbyville or South Bend?
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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