Plumber · Salary Comparison · 2026
Plumber Salary: Chicago, IL vs Seattle, WA
Side-by-side comparison of salary, taxes, cost of living, and take-home pay for Plumbers in Chicago, IL and Seattle, WA, based on BLS OEWS 2026 data.
1Which City Pays More After Tax?
Higher Gross Salary
✓ Seattle, WA
$64,000 vs $85,000
Better Purchasing Power
✓ Chicago, IL
$59,813 vs $52,469
Best Take-Home (COL-Adj)
✓ Chicago, IL
$52,532 vs $48,481
2
Detailed Comparison
| Metric | Chicago, IL | Seattle, WA | Diff |
|---|---|---|---|
| Median Annual Salary | $64,000 | $85,000▲ | -$21,000 |
| 25th Percentile | $49,280 | $65,450▲ | -$16,170 |
| 75th Percentile | $81,920 | $108,800▲ | -$26,880 |
| 90th Percentile | $102,400 | $136,000▲ | -$33,600 |
| Cost of Living Index | 107 | 162 | -55 |
| State Income Tax | 4.95% | 0%▲ | +4.95% |
| COL-Adjusted Median | $59,813▲ | $52,469 | +$7,344 |
| Est. Annual Take-Home | $56,209 | $78,540▲ | -$22,331 |
| COL-Adj. Take-Home | $52,532▲ | $48,481 | +$4,051 |
| Total Employment | 52,500 | 87,000 | -34,500 |
▲ = Higher value wins for this metric. Diff = Chicago, IL minus Seattle, WA.
3Summary Analysis
On paper, Seattle, WA pays $21,000 more (median: $64,000 vs $85,000). However, after adjusting for cost of living (index 107 vs 162), Chicago, IL provides better purchasing power ($59,813 vs $52,469 equivalent). Seattle, WA has no state income tax, which is a significant advantage.
Data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS · 2026 · Cost-of-living indices from composite metro area data. Take-home estimates approximate only — consult a tax professional for accurate figures.