Did you know that Illinois is one of the top paying states in the nation for plumbers? The Dept of Labor says its #3 in country for plumber pay!
Education & Training
If you want to get into plumbing, and don’t have much experience then you should take one of the online courses below.
How Will the Course Help Beginner Plumbers?
These courses provide foundational knowledge, essential to understanding everything you need to know for the trade:
- knowledge necessary to complete the initial exam required to go forward with an apprenticeship
- service skills needed for sponsorship from a state-licensed plumber
- a free toolkit with over 50 pieces
- enroll whenever you want (no waiting for a start date)
Just look at the curriculum below.
What Do You Study?
- Plumbing codes
- Tools of the trade
- Plumber safety
- Plumbing math
- Water sources
- Waste & sewage disposal
- Building structures
- Piping
- Joining
- Squares
- Fixtures
- Faucets etc
- Valves
- Heaters
- Building plans
- Sketching
- Communication
- Pipe joining
- Plastic fittings
- Welding for plumbers
- Soldering & brazing
- Piping materials
- Water pipe systems
- Hot water flow
- Pipe identification
- Sewers
- Drainage units
- Building drains
- Stacks
- Water & air essentials
- Venting drains
- Pumps
- Traps
- Supports
- Hoisting & Rigging
- Drawings
- Drainage systems
- Customer service
How Long Does It Take?
The program listed above take about 12 months to complete. It is self paced and you can study at anytime, so its is possible to finish even sooner.
How Much Does It Cost?
About $2300 for the courses listed above. Financing is an option.
Salary Range
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for a plumber in Illinois is $88,420.
Here are numbers from some major job sites:
- $71,674 per Indeed.com
- $61,927 per ZipRecruiter
- $80,000 per Talent.com
BLS data for different areas of the state can be seen below.
| Area | Per Hour | Per Year |
|---|---|---|
| Bloomington | $36.50 | $75,910 |
| Carbondale-Marion | $33.88 | $70,470 |
| Champaign-Urbana | $40.12 | $83,450 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin | $44.26 | $92,060 |
| Decatur | $37.18 | $77,330 |
| East Central Illinois | $34.08 | $70,890 |
| Kankakee | $40.35 | $83,930 |
| Northwest Illinois | $38.97 | $81,060 |
| Peoria | $39.05 | $81,220 |
| Rockford | $41.31 | $85,920 |
| South Illinois | $35.70 | $74,260 |
| Springfield | $38.15 | $79,360 |
| West Central Illinois | $34.66 | $72,090 |
Occupation: Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC Code472152)
source: data.bls.gov
Illinois Requirements
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health becoming a plumber in Illinois is a multi-step process primarily requiring two licenses:
- Apprenticeship Plumber’s License
- Plumber’s License
Apprenticeship Plumber’s License
Illinois requires all individuals seeking employment as a plumber to complete an apprenticeship of at least 4 (and at most 6) years.
Your apprenticeship will entail both educational classroom-style learning and on-the-job training. In addition to this apprenticeship, you will need a sponsorship from an Illinois-licensed plumber, with whom you will work throughout your apprenticeship.
Exam Requirements
The preliminary Apprenticeship Plumber’s License Examination grants you eligibility to work under the sponsorship of a state-licensed plumber.
To take the Apprenticeship Plumber’s License Exam, a minimum of 2 years of high school is required, in addition to an approved program by a trade school, college, or university.
The apprentice license application fee is $100.
Plumber’s License
The Plumber’s License Examination demonstrates that your training and education are sufficient to be employed.
Requirements
Individuals seeking a Plumber’s License must work a minimum of 4 years, and at most 6, as an apprentice.
You can acquire a Plumber’s License following the completion of an apprenticeship sponsored by an Illinois-licensed plumber and the completion of the Plumber’s License Exam.
The plumbing license application fee varies from $175 to $225, depending on location.
Municipal Permits
In addition to these licenses, you will need a permit to actively practice as a plumber, issued by your county, following submitting a Plumbing Permit Application form.
Additional certification, such as a Plumbing Contractor license, is optional to practice generally but may be required depending on your employment or business type.
Job Description
As an entry-level plumber, you will be tasked with assisting senior plumbers in reparations, installations, and maintenance.
Common duties include:
- Specific Tasks:
- Installing and repairing pipes, valves, fittings, and drainage systems based on building plans and blueprints.
- Performing basic construction and electrical work as required.
- Regulatory Compliance:
- Keeping plumbing systems up-to-date with safety regulations and inspection standards.
- Communication and Customer Interaction:
- Engaging in communication with both commercial and residential clients.
- Providing explanations of procedures for installing, repairing, or servicing plumbing systems to customers unfamiliar with technical terminology.
- Record-Keeping and Administrative Duties:
- Preparing cost estimates for plumbing tasks.
- Documenting work details for future reference.
- Skills Required:
- Customer service skills to effectively interact and address client concerns.
- A firm understanding of the engineering aspects of plumbing systems to ensure accurate communication and service delivery.
Career Growth
Job Stability
A career in plumbing is consistently in high demand due to ongoing construction, the need for updates to meet stringent regulations, and the replacement of old systems with new technology. This results in excellent job security.
You Have Options
Plumbing also offers substantial flexibility; plumbers have the option to work for established companies or to pursue an entrepreneurial route by starting their own businesses.
Its Not Boring!
The field caters to diverse interests, with opportunities for plumbers to specialize and obtain certifications in niche areas like irrigation plumbing, potentially leading to higher salaries. Moreover, the role’s problem-solving nature and daily customer interactions add to its appeal and variety.
What Employers in Illinois Look for in a Plumber
Illinois employers seeking skilled plumbers prioritize a combination of technical expertise, problem-solving abilities, and customer service skills. The plumbing industry in the state spans across residential, commercial, and institutional settings, with job opportunities available in service, new construction, and specialized installations. Whether hiring apprentices, journeymen, or master plumbers, companies expect candidates to demonstrate a solid foundation in plumbing systems, a willingness to learn, and the ability to work independently or as part of a team.
Technical Skills and Experience
Employers in Illinois require plumbers to have hands-on experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining plumbing systems. At LaCassa Plumbing in Darien, IL, for example, apprentices and experienced helpers are expected to assist in fixing leaks, repiping, and handling various fixtures. Similarly, Tri-State Water, Power & Air in Frankfort, IL, seeks individuals with at least one to three years of residential plumbing experience, though they do not require a license for apprentice roles.
More advanced roles, such as those at Monkey’s Wrench, Inc. in Elmwood Park, IL, demand at least seven years of plumbing experience, a valid plumbing license, and the ability to work on complex plumbing systems in both residential and commercial settings. This company also values problem-solving skills and adaptability, essential for troubleshooting and efficiently addressing a variety of plumbing issues.
For institutional and healthcare-related plumbing positions, such as those at Loyola University Health System in Maywood, IL, candidates must possess a plumbing license and be proficient in maintaining complex medical and research facility systems. This includes working on fire sprinkler systems, water purification setups, and gas lines. In addition to technical expertise, employers in such environments value candidates who can perform preventive maintenance and document their work accurately.
Certifications and Licensing Requirements
In Illinois, many employers prefer or require plumbers to hold valid state plumbing licenses, especially for mid-level and senior positions. For example, ASAP Plumbing LLC in Woodstock, IL, specifically seeks journeyman plumbers who are proficient in both residential service repairs and new construction projects. Licensed professionals must be knowledgeable about Illinois plumbing codes and capable of executing jobs with minimal supervision.
Loyola University Health System goes a step further by requiring additional certifications, such as CPR, given the nature of their work in healthcare facilities. This illustrates the crossover of plumbing into safety, emergency preparedness, and compliance with health regulations.
Work Environment and Soft Skills
Plumbing employers in Illinois look for more than just technical expertise—they also emphasize strong communication skills and professionalism. Companies like LaCassa Plumbing and Tri-State Water, Power & Air highlight customer service as a key component of the role. Plumbers must be able to explain issues and solutions clearly to homeowners and business clients while maintaining a friendly and professional demeanor.
Monkey’s Wrench, Inc. and ASAP Plumbing LLC value plumbers who are reliable, punctual, and adaptable. The ability to troubleshoot on-site, make informed decisions, and manage time effectively is crucial. Additionally, since many plumbing jobs require interaction with customers, employers seek individuals who can build trust and maintain positive relationships.
Crossover Into Other Disciplines
Plumbing often overlaps with other fields such as HVAC, electrical work, and construction. For instance, Tri-State Water, Power & Air operates within a broader home improvement sector, requiring plumbers to work alongside electricians and HVAC technicians to install and maintain water heaters and filtration systems. Similarly, Loyola University Health System expects its plumbers to coordinate with pipefitters and maintenance technicians to ensure the hospital’s infrastructure runs smoothly.
In new construction projects, as seen with ASAP Plumbing LLC, plumbers must understand blueprints and collaborate with general contractors and engineers to ensure proper system layouts. This crossover into construction demands knowledge of local building codes and the ability to adapt to different site conditions.
Compensation and Benefits
Illinois employers offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to attract and retain skilled plumbers. Pay varies based on experience, location, and job complexity. For example:
- LaCassa Plumbing offers $20-$27 per hour for apprentices.
- Tri-State Water, Power & Air pays $18-$24 per hour for entry-level roles.
- Monkey’s Wrench, Inc. provides $35-$55 per hour for experienced plumbers with a valid license.
- Loyola University Health System offers $41.67 per hour for licensed plumbers.
- ASAP Plumbing LLC pays $35-$50 per hour, depending on experience.
Beyond wages, benefits such as health insurance, 401(k) plans, paid time off, and company-provided tools are common across employers. Some companies, like Monkey’s Wrench, Inc., even provide additional perks such as company vehicles and paid drive time.
Conclusion
Plumbing employers in Illinois seek dedicated professionals who can blend technical expertise with strong communication and problem-solving skills. Whether in residential, commercial, or institutional settings, plumbers must be adaptable, licensed where required, and ready to take on a variety of challenges. With opportunities for growth and competitive pay, Illinois remains a promising state for individuals looking to build a successful plumbing career.