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If you like to work with pipes, becoming a plumber can be the right choice for you.
Read on if you want to learn more about the licensing requirements in Illinois.
You will have to attend a training program and pass an exam before getting your license.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
As a plumber, you will set up water systems, repair them when needed, and maintain them.
Based on your experience, you can work in residential homes, office buildings, or even the city’s streets.
Some daily duties you will need to perform include:
- Reading or drafting blueprints
- Installing the piping system
- Maintaining the water system
- Repairing the system whenever needed
- Ensuring the safety standards
- Meeting building regulations
- Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder
You will first need a plumbing license before getting hired to perform work.
In Illinois, there are 3 types of certifications for plumbers.
These are:
- Apprentice license,
- Plumbing license,
- Contractor plumber license
The licenses and licensing process is handled by the Illinois Department of Public Health.
The only exception is Chicago, where licenses can also be issued by the Department of Buildings.
How to Become an Apprentice in Illinois
You will need to undergo training before you can get hired as a plumber in Idaho.
For this to happen, you need to attend a program through a trade school.
To get into a program, you also must meet some criteria:
- Have a high school diploma or GED
- Be at least 16 years old
- A copy of your driver’s license
- Submitting an application
- Pay any required application fees
The apprenticeship programs usually last for up to 6 years.
Most programs have a duration of 5 years, but the law only requires 4 years of experience.
You will also have to submit your apprenticeship registration with the board.
As an apprentice, you will take both theory and practice courses.
In class, you will learn more about topics like:
- Drafting,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Sprinkler installation,
- Pipefitting
- Reading blueprints
Apprentices can get hands-on experience by performing plumbing work.
However, you will have to be supervised by a journeyman at all times.
In order to register your apprenticeship, you also need to pay a $100 fee.
How to Get a Plumber License in Illinois
If you completed your training program as an apprentice, you will be able to apply for a plumbing license.
Unlike in other states, Illinois does not offer a journeyman license.
Getting this license will allow you to work without supervision.
You can maintain, set up, and fix water systems in most buildings.
To apply for the license, you need to:
- Send an application form
- Pay the needed application fees
- Take and pass an exam
- Be a citizen of the US
- Be hired as a plumber for 4 years
- Submit proof of experience
- A minimum of 2 years of high-school education
- Having finished a plumbing training program
- 1,200 hours of training
If you don’t live in Illinois, you will have to pay a $275 fee to take the exam.
If you are a state resident, the fee is only $175.
How to Get a Contractor License in Idaho
If you get a contractor license, you will be able to perform plumbing for someone else.
You will also be able to start your own plumbing company.
Contractor plumbers can also hire plumbers or apprentices.
If you are interested in getting this license, you have to:
- Have a plumbing license
- Submit a specific application
- Pay a $150 application fee
Plumber Employment and Salary Information
In Illinois, a licensed plumber is paid higher compared to other states.
On average, a plumber earns about $59,033 per year.
You will most likely earn more in big cities like Chicago.
How much you earn is also decided by your level of experience.
As an apprentice, your salary will be lower, however, you will make more after working for some years.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Chicago | $60,930 |
| Aurora | $60,391 |
| Joliet | $59,206 |
| Rockford | $56,901 |
| Naperville | $59,697 |
| Springfield | $53,055 |
| Peoria | $55,521 |
| Elgin | $59,949 |
| Waukegan | $57,461 |
| Champaign | $53,998 |
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 300 | $74,850 | $35.99 | $100,940 | $43,260 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 140 | $78,450 | $37.72 | $106,880 | $45,510 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 340 | $86,680 | $41.67 | $106,720 | $49,000 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 11,190 | $89,790 | $43.17 | $116,860 | $48,520 |
| Decatur, IL | 100 | $79,390 | $38.17 | $107,000 | $48,200 |
| Kankakee, IL | 130 | $84,680 | $40.71 | $112,840 | $45,480 |
| Peoria, IL | 460 | $81,630 | $39.24 | $104,150 | $48,370 |
| Rockford, IL | 430 | $88,230 | $42.42 | $109,420 | $50,900 |
| Springfield, IL | 270 | $79,680 | $38.31 | $104,260 | $41,790 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Additional Information
In Illinois, plumbers can use an Application for Reciprocity to work in states that allow it.
This application requires a $150 fee.
In this state, you will need to get your plumbing license renewed once a year.
You will also have to pay a $100 renewal fee.
The license can only be renewed if you take some extra hours of education.
Keep in mind that licensed plumbers also need to have minimum general liability insurance.
If you run your own plumbing business, you should have workers’ compensation insurance.
Overall, plumbing is a rewarding and solid career.
After you meet the requirements needed to get a license, you can start a fruitful career in the sector.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Illinois
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| UA Local 130 | 1340 West Washington Boulevard, Chicago, IL. 60607-1988 |
| UA Local 130 | 28600 Bella Vista parkway, Suite 2110 Warrenville, IL 60555 |
| UA Local 130 | 2114 S. I-80 Frontage Road Joliet, Illinois 60436 |
| UA Local 130 | 31855 North U.S. HWY 12 Volo, Illinois 60073 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College | 6301 S Halsted St, Chicago, Illinois 60621-2709 |
| Illinios Plumbing Consultants | 1400 Miller Parkway Suite I McHenry, IL 60050 |
| Building and Fire Code Academy | 2420 Vantage Drive, Elgin, IL 60124 |
| Illinois Plumbing Consultants | 1400 Miller Pkwy Suite I, McHenry, IL 60050 |
| UNITED ASSOCIATION Plumbers & Pipe Fitters Local 99 | 406 S Eldorado Rd, Bloomington, IL 61704 |
| Local Union 25, Plumbers & Pipefitters | 4600 46th Ave, Rock Island, IL 61201 |
| Plumbing Code Consultants, LLC | 860 Commerce Dr, South Elgin, IL 60177 |
| Learn your Trade | 2458 Elmhurst Rd, Elk Grove Village, IL 60007 |
| Plumbers Local Union 63- Peoria Illinois | 116 Harvey Ct, East Peoria, IL 61611 |
| UA Local 149 Plumbers & Pipefitters | 1005 N Dunlap Ave, Savoy, IL 61874 |
| UA Local 157 Plumbers & Steamfitters Training Center | 2100 Oakwood Ave, Danville, IL 61832 |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
Plumbing License by City
Plumbing License by State