Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters Salary in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
The median pay for a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN is $98,890/year ($47.54/hour), per BLS data. The range runs from $50K at the entry level to $124K for experienced workers. Adjusted for local prices (RPP 103.59), that's roughly $95,463 in purchasing power. Rent on a 2-bedroom averages $1,781/month, or 28.5% of estimated take-home pay.
AffordMap analysis of BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (latest release, May 2024)
So what does $99K get you in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
About plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters
Compensation breakdown
Annual earnings by percentile, Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN
Entry-level plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters (10th percentile) start around $50K. Mid-career wages sit at $99K.Top earners bring in $124K or more - a $73K spread from bottom to top.
Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters pay across states
Median income ranked highest to lowest, compared to the national figure
| State | Median salary | vs. national | Employment |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $96K | +53% | 18,730 |
| Oregon | $93K | +48% | 6,080 |
| Minnesota | $83K | +32% | 8,520 |
| Massachusetts | $83K | +32% | 15,670 |
| Alaska | $83K | +32% | 870 |
| District of Columbia | $82K | +30% | 640 |
| Washington | $79K | +26% | 12,210 |
| Hawaii | $79K | +25% | 2,640 |
| Wisconsin | $79K | +25% | 9,120 |
| New York | $78K | +25% | 22,630 |
| Montana | $78K | +24% | 1,810 |
| New Jersey | $77K | +23% | 9,840 |
| Michigan | $77K | +22% | 12,830 |
| Connecticut | $73K | +16% | 4,180 |
| California | $68K | +9% | 45,460 |
Track plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary changes
BLS updates this data quarterly. We'll email you when Chicago-Naperville-Elgin numbers change.
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Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters make in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN?
The median is $98,890 a year - that works out to about $47.54 an hour. The range is wide: entry-level workers start around $50,210, and experienced plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters can clear $123,600. These are BLS numbers, based on employer-reported data, not self-reported surveys.
Is $99K enough to live in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
On that salary, you'd take home roughly $6,088/month after taxes. A 2-bedroom here rents for about $1,781/month (HUD Fair Market Rent), which eats 29.3% of your paycheck. That's under the 30% guideline most financial planners use, so the numbers work.
How far does a plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary go in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin has a Regional Price Parity of 103.59 (100 is the national average). Prices are above average here, so your dollar buys less than the same salary would in a cheaper metro. After cost-of-living adjustment, the median plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters salary is worth about $95,463 in national-average purchasing power.
Where do plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters get paid the most?
The table above ranks every state by median pay for this role. Keep in mind that the highest-paying states tend to have the highest costs of living, so the top salary doesn't always mean the most money in your pocket.