Plumber Salary in Joliet, IL: $91,327 (2026)
Quick Answer:A full-time plumber in Joliet, IL earns a median $91,327/year (≈ $43.91/hour) in nominal terms for 2026 — projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2152). Once you factor in Joliet's price level (3% below national, BEA RPP 97.1), that paycheck buys what $94,055 would nationally. Nominal pay sits 0.6% below the Illinois state average.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In 2026, the plumber salary in Joliet is projected to reach a median annual compensation of $91,327, reflecting a significant premium compared to the national median of $65,408. This impressive salary range spans from $63,536 at the 10th percentile to $141,557 at the 90th percentile, indicating the potential for substantial earnings in specialized areas such as medical gas and industrial plumbing. These figures are informed by estimates derived from BLS state-level data adjusted for local cost of living factors. With ongoing developments in Joliet's infrastructure and a growing demand for qualified plumbing professionals, opportunities are ripe for both entry-level apprentices and established journeymen to capitalize on this favorable market.
About the Joliet Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($90,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Salary Breakdown
| Percentile | Annual | Hourly |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $63,536 | $30.55 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $71,653 | $34.45 |
| Median (P50)(typical) | $91,327 | $43.91 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $116,898 | $56.20 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $141,557 | $68.05 |
Median Salary Position
39.63% above the national average
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Joliet
In Joliet, IL, the plumber salary spread from the 10th to 90th percentile is $78,021 (2026 est.). At $91,327, the local median is 39.63% above the national median of $65,408.
Salary Calculator
At 40 hours/week in Joliet: You'd be in the lower-middle range
How Joliet Plumber Pay Compares
Joliet median: $91,327/year (2026)
| Compared To | Median Salary | Joliet Pays |
|---|---|---|
| Illinois Average | $91,878 | -0.60% less |
| National Average | $65,408 | +39.63% more |
Plumbers in Joliet, IL earn a median of $91,327 per year (2026 est.), which is 39.63% higher than the national median of $65,408 and 0.60% below the Illinois state average of $91,878.
Cost-of-Living Adjusted Salary
Joliet 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.
Joliet, IL has a cost-of-living index of 97.1 (below the national average of 100). A plumber earning $91,327 nominally has purchasing power equivalent to $94,055 in an average-cost city — an effective 2.99% boost.
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2019 BLS Actual
$77,018
2025 BLS Actual
$89,082
2026 Current Est.
$91,327
2019–2027 Growth
+21.6%
Salary Trajectory for Plumbers in Joliet (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.52% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $77,018 | Actual |
| 2020 | $78,652 | Actual |
| 2021 | $83,609 | Actual |
| 2022 | $83,902 | Actual |
| 2023 | $85,940 | Actual |
| 2024 | $86,827 | Actual |
| 2025 | $89,082 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $91,327 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $93,628 | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS data for the Joliet metropolitan area, the median plumber salary grew 15.7% from $77,018 (2019) to $89,082 (2025). At a 2.52% compound annual growth rate, salaries are projected to reach $93,628 by 2027 — a total increase of $16,610 (21.57%) from 2019.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Joliet 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) | $63,536 – $71,653 |
| 3-5 years (Mid Career) | $71,653 – $91,327 |
| 5+ years (Experienced) | $91,327 – $116,898 |
| 10+ years (Top Earner) | $116,898 – $141,557 |
Plumber salary ranges estimated from BLS percentile data. Individual plumber compensation varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
Plumber Job Market in Joliet
As of now, Joliet employs approximately 25 plumbers, reflecting a concentrated job market that can also influence overall salary dynamics. The local cost of living index sits at 97.1, slightly below the national average, meaning that take-home pay can stretch further in this environment. Among local employers, union plumbing contractors affiliated with the United Association tend to offer the highest wages, significantly surpassing those provided by non-union contractors or self-employed plumbers. Factors contributing to the disparities in pay include specialties in high-demand areas like medical gas qualifications, commission structures at service companies, and overtime opportunities. To enhance earning potential, plumbers might consider pursuing advanced licenses, such as a master plumber or contractor license, while also developing specialization skills that are increasingly sought after in Joliet's evolving job market.
More salary data for Joliet, 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 $89,082 for plumbersin the Joliet 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 Joliet 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