TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/1000–2 years
Entry Level Plumber Salary in Chicago
2026 · Recent graduates and professionals with under 2 years of experience.
$59,027/yr
Typical range: $57,995 – $68,342
P10–P25 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Plumber salary by experience level in Chicago
Plumber Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| EntryThis page | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $59,027 | $4,919 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $70,505 | $5,875 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $78,156 | $6,513 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $85,589 | $7,132 | +45% |
| Staff | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $100,018 | $8,335 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $110,512 | $9,209 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $113,135 | $9,428 | +92% |
Current Salary
$59,027
Entry Level · 0–2 years
Hourly: $28/hr
Next Level Target
$70,505
Junior · 2
+$11Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
43/100
Below Average
+5% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the entry level Plumber salary in Chicago, IL?
Entry Level Plumbers in Chicago, IL earn approximately $59K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P10–P25 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a entry level Plumber make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $59K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $28/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from entry level to senior Plumber in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 4–6 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Plumber in Chicago, IL earns $98K–$116K/yr.