Plumbing · IL

Plumbing costs in Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN

We mapped BLS numbers for Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN so you can see whether Plumbing labor runs hotter or cooler than the U.S. average before you chase bids. Mean hourly pay here sits about 34% above the national OEWS mean.

Updated Nov 1, 2026 · Estimates only

Local tip: Local code, permit fees, and how busy crews are this month move numbers as much as wage rates do.

Sample project ranges

ProjectLowMidHigh
Water Heater Replacement$733$1,467$2,961
Toilet Installation$204$555$1,189
Pipe Repair$146$523$1,390
Drain Cleaning$52$183$564
Mean hourly wage
$46.36
Median hourly
$49.7
p10 – p90
$25.94 – $61.15

Getting quotes without the circus

  1. Screenshot our mid/low/high band.
  2. Ask three licensed, insured pros for written scopes.
  3. Compare exclusions — permits, haul-away, thermostats, flashing — before crowning a winner.

What usually moves the number

Rebates (verify; don’t trust a random Facebook ad)

Heat pump water heaters have often qualified for federal §25C credits (verify current caps) and strong utility rebates. Conventional tanks rarely qualify for federal credits. Start with IRS, ENERGY STAR, and DSIRE.

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Gear people often ask about

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Thermostats

A decent thermostat won’t fix a bad install, but it can stop the short-cycling arguments.

Partner options
Water heaters

Tank, tankless, heat-pump — the sticker price is only half the story.

Partner options
Warranties & financing

Read the exclusions. “Full coverage” rarely means what the brochure implies.

Partner options

Monthly wage & cost note

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