Plumber Salary in Carbondale, IL: $86,096 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Carbondale, IL earns a median $86,096/year (≈ $41.40/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Carbondale's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $88,667 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 6.3% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Carbondale, Illinois, the projected plumber salary for 2026 is a substantial $86,096, significantly above the national average of $65,408. This figure reflects the competitive local market, where salaries range from $66,764 at the 10th percentile to a high of $133,449 at the 90th percentile. These estimates are based on 2025 BLS data, adjusted for regional cost per living standards, highlighting the need for specialized skills, particularly in medical gas and industrial plumbing, which can further elevate earnings. Carbondale's job market offers a solid pathway for plumbers, particularly for those equipped with advanced certifications and licenses, shaping a dynamic environment for career advancement.
About the Carbondale Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $66,764 | $32.10 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,738 | $34.49 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $86,096 | $41.40 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $110,203 | $52.98 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $133,449 | $64.16 |
Median Salary Position
31.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Carbondale
In Carbondale, IL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $66,685 (2026 est.). At $86,096, the local median is 31.63% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Carbondale: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Carbondale Plumber Pay Compares
Carbondale median: $86,096/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Carbondale Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $91,885 | -6.30% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +31.63% more |
Plumbers in Carbondale, IL earn a median of $86,096 per year (2026 est.), which is 31.63% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 6.30% below the Illinois state average of $91,885.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Carbondale has a cost of living 2.90% below the national average, meaning your salary goes further here.
Adjusted salary = nominal × (100 / CoL index). CoL index: 100 = national average.
Carbondale, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $86,096 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $88,667 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$82,100
2025 BLS Actual
$83,980
2026 Current Est.
$86,096
2019–2027 Growth
+7.5%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Carbondale (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $82,100 | Actual |
| 2020 | $72,520 | Actual |
| 2021 | $76,600 | Actual |
| 2022 | $87,140 | Actual |
| 2023 | $62,490 | Actual |
| 2024 | $81,854 | Actual |
| 2025 | $83,980 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $86,096 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $88,266 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Carbondale metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 2.3% from $82,100 (2019) to $83,980 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $88,266 by 2027 — a total increase of $6,166 (7.51%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Carbondale metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.52% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Salary by Experience Level
| Experience | Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| 0-2 years (New Graduate) | $66,764 – $71,738 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,738 – $86,096 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $86,096 – $110,203 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $110,203 – $133,449 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Carbondale
Examining the local job market reveals that only five plumbers are currently employed in Carbondale, creating a concentrated field where specialized skills can make a notable difference in pay. With a cost of living index at 97.1, plumbers have slightly enhanced purchasing power compared to national averages, but careful consideration of payment structures is essential. In this area, union plumbing contractors often lead in compensation, offering a strong premium due to better benefits and job security. Conversely, plumbers aligned with non-union contractors or those working independently may experience variability in earnings. Factors such as the mastery of specific trades, participation in specialty credentials like medical gas piping, and overtime opportunities can widen the pay gap. For those looking to maximize their income potential in Carbondale, enhancing qualifications through further licensing and seeking employment with larger service companies or industrial maintenance teams can provide significant advantages.
More salary data for Carbondale, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The BLS reported a median annual salary of $83,980 for plumbersin the Carbondale metropolitan area. A 2.52% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), calculated from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 compensation. Percentile ranges (P10–P90) represent the full salary distribution across experience levels and practice settings in this market.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Carbondale is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.52%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for plumbers (SOC 47-2152).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Torres, CWP, a licensed plumber with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov