Plumber Career Guide in Illinois
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become a Plumber in Illinois
Plumbers in Illinois install, alter, maintain, and repair water supply, drainage, gas, and related plumbing systems. The statewide median wage for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is $96,200 per year, while employment is projected to grow by 3% from 2022 to 2032.
Most Illinois plumbers enter the trade through registered apprenticeship programs that combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training. Training covers plumbing systems, blueprint reading, safety procedures, code compliance, and installation techniques.
Illinois plumber candidates generally begin as licensed apprentice plumbers under an approved sponsor. To qualify for the plumber licensing examination, an applicant normally must complete at least four years as a licensed apprentice and an approved course of plumbing instruction.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Illinois is approximately $33,230 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Illinois
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Illinois
An Illinois Apprentice Plumber applicant must be at least 16 years old and provide proof of sponsorship by an Illinois-licensed plumber or an approved apprenticeship program.
Apprentices receive supervised plumbing experience and related instruction covering safety, the Illinois Plumbing Code, mathematics, blueprint reading, water distribution, drainage, fixtures, and installation practices.
To apply for the Illinois plumber licensing examination, an applicant generally must have worked as a licensed apprentice plumber for at least four years and completed an approved plumbing course through a qualifying college, university, trade school, or apprenticeship program.
Registered Apprenticeship
Most Illinois plumbers complete apprenticeship programs lasting four to five years while earning wages and receiving classroom instruction.
Technical Education
Training includes plumbing codes, safety regulations, blueprint reading, mathematics, and pipe installation techniques.
Supervised Work Experience
Apprentices gain hands-on experience installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems under licensed supervision.
State Licensing
Plumbers must satisfy Illinois licensing requirements and remain compliant with continuing education and regulatory standards.
Plumber Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet | View Program |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria | View Program |
| Lincoln Land Community College | Springfield | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Registered Apprenticeship Program
Organization: Associated Builders and Contractors Illinois Chapter
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not issue a statewide plumbing contractor license through a single licensing board. However, plumbers must comply with requirements administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), including licensing for plumbers and apprenticeship registration. Most professionals begin through apprenticeship programs before advancing to licensed plumber status.
Illinois requires individuals performing regulated plumbing work to hold the appropriate state plumber or apprentice plumber license. Apprentices must work under an Illinois-licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program. Plumbing contractors must also register with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois continues to maintain strong demand for plumbers due to infrastructure upgrades, commercial construction, residential development, and maintenance of aging building systems. Opportunities are particularly strong in the Chicago metropolitan area and other major urban centers.
Illinois projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,370 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Illinois?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Illinois is approximately $96,200 per year, or $46.25 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require plumber licensing?
Yes. Illinois requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).
How long does it take to become a plumber in Illinois?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in Illinois?
Illinois projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 3% from 2022 to 2032, with about 1,370 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Illinois Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Plumber Wages
- Illinois Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Plumber Employment Trends
- Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) — Licensing authority. Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH)