Trades & Labor Rockford, IL Pop. 148,655

Plumber Salary in Rockford, Illinois

The median plumber salary in Rockford, IL is $49,102 per year, which is 18% below the national median and 13.7% below the Illinois state average.

City Median
$49,102
vs State Avg
$-7,784
vs National
$-10,778
Cost of Living
82%

Plumber Pay in Rockford: What to Expect (2026)

Rockford offers a median plumber salary of $49,102, which is $7,784 below the Illinois state average of $56,886. Compared to the national median of $59,880, Rockford pays below the national benchmark for this role.

One of Rockford's biggest advantages is its low cost of living at 82% of the national average. This means the $49,102 salary stretches further here — equivalent to roughly $59,880 in an average-cost city. This makes Rockford an attractive option for plumbers seeking strong real-dollar compensation.

The salary range for plumbers in Rockford spans from $29,848 at the 10th percentile to $81,344 at the 90th percentile — a $51,496 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $27,880, while senior plumbers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $75,440. With a population of 148,655, Rockford is a mid-sized metro with a growing job market.

Plumber Salary in Rockford by Experience

In Rockford, an entry-level plumber earns around $27,880, while experienced professionals earn up to $75,440 per year. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$27,880
$-6,120 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$49,200
$-10,800 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$75,440
$-16,560 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Rockford, IL

Percentile Rockford
10th Percentile $29,848
25th Percentile $37,556
Median (50th) $49,102
75th Percentile $64,124
90th Percentile $81,344

Plumber Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$64,670
Pop. 149,540
Chicago, IL
$64,072
Pop. 2,693,976
Aurora, IL
$56,886
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$50,898
Pop. 114,394

How to Become a Plumber in Rockford

Education

Most plumber positions require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Rockford and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Pipe FittingBlueprint ReadingPlumbing CodeTroubleshootingSoldering/WeldingCustomer Service

Job Outlook

Nationally, plumber employment is projected to grow 2% over the next decade (as fast as average). Demand in Rockford may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Plumber Jobs in Rockford

Browse open plumber positions in Rockford, IL:

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Frequently Asked Questions: Plumber Salary in Rockford

How much does a Plumber make in Rockford, IL? ▼
The median plumber salary in Rockford, Illinois is $49,102 per year, which is 18% below the national median of $59,880. Salaries range from $29,848 (10th percentile) to $81,344 (90th percentile).
How much does a Plumber make per hour in Rockford? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $49,102, a plumber in Rockford earns approximately $24 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Rockford compare to the Illinois state average for plumber pay? ▼
Rockford's median plumber salary of $49,102 is 13.7% below the Illinois state average of $56,886. The local cost of living index is 82% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Rockford, IL? ▼
Rockford has a cost of living index of 82% compared to the national average. This means a plumber salary of $49,102 in Rockford has more purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a plumber in Rockford? ▼
Most plumber positions in Rockford require a high school diploma + apprenticeship. Key skills include Pipe Fitting, Blueprint Reading, Plumbing Code, Troubleshooting. The job market is projected to grow 2% nationally over the next decade.