Seeing how essential plumbers are to our daily existence, it is no surprise that starting a career in the field involves acquiring significant training and fulfilling other requirements. For aspiring plumbers in Illinois, the journey begins by becoming familiar with the steps that make up the entire process.
A clear picture of what to expect, including educational and licensure requirements, will make the journey much smoother. Luckily, that is precisely what we examine in the upcoming sections below.
Along with these requirements, we also look at a few top programs in the state and the salary projection.
How to Become a Plumber in Illinois
Below are the steps required to start a plumbing career in Illinois.
Step 1: Educational Requirements
Illinois needs to have specific educational requirements for plumbers to begin their careers. However, they must have a high-school diploma or GED to secure admission into training programs. Additionally, companies and training programs can also set minimum age requirements; currently, many tend to ask applicants to be at least 18 years old.
Step 2: Plumbing Training
Plumbers in Illinois may consider the following training destinations to start their careers.
- Academic programs - candidates may obtain their plumbing training from educational programs organized by community colleges and vocational schools.
- Apprenticeships - another option is to attend an apprenticeship program organized by trade unions, employers, and other approved parties.
- Plumber’s Assistant - lastly, it is possible to acquire hands-on plumbing training in Illinois simply by working on job sites as an assistant to licensed plumbers.
Step 3: Licensing and Certification
After completing their training, the next step for aspiring plumbers in Illinois is to become licensed. Usually, a license is only required once it’s time to take on a large contract and design new systems. However, professionals must register as apprentices or journeyman plumbers before obtaining a master’s license.
Step 4: Continuing Education
The field of plumbing is ever-growing, with innovations invented every day. For this reason, a plumber in Illinois must keep improving themselves through continuing education.
Along with improving themselves, candidates must also keep up with certification and licensure renewal, a subject we’ll look into in more detail below.
Consider trades with similar paths:
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Plumbers in Illinois must obtain a license from the Illinois Department of Public Health. To do so, they must be citizens of the United States or be in the process of declaring their citizenship.
They must also be at least 16 years old and have a valid driver’s license.
After meeting these requirements and completing the educational and experience steps specified above, candidates must go on to obtain a passing score in the Illinois Plumbing Licensing Examination. Upon doing so, they will have to pay the applicable licensing fees and begin starting their own plumbing contractor business if they choose.
To become a plumbing contractor in Illinois, candidates must have a minimum general liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance, among others. They must also renew their license yearly by paying a $150 renewal fee.
Top Plumbing Schools in Illinois
The following are some of the top plumbing schools in Illinois.
Gateway Technical College
Future plumbers in Illinois may obtain training at Gateway Technical College through the school’s plumbing technology program. Candidates will receive 8 hours of training in an arrangement resembling an apprenticeship and academic training program.
Kennedy-King
Kennedy-King, a part of the City College of Chicago system, offers top-quality plumbing training, including theoretical and practical principles. The focus topics include introduction to plumbing systems, codes, and safety.
Containing 20 credit hours, graduates can work as pipefitters, steamfitters, or pipe layers.
UA Local 130
Lastly, individuals looking for an apprenticeship program instead of an academic one may consider the UA Local 130 program, which includes a lot of hands-on, real-world training.
Along with learning all the skills they need to secure a good job, candidates will also receive foundational instructions for career advancement.
Explore plumbing schools by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
The annual average salary for plumbers in Illinois is $72,477 – an incredible 25% higher than the national average. Plumbers in the state who earn the most earn an annual average salary of $114,978, while those in the bottom 10% take home around $45,700 annually.
As one would expect, location significantly influences the annual average salary for a plumber in Illinois. Those with less than one year of experience earn $60,728 on average yearly, while those with 10 years’ experience earn an annual average salary of $88,102.
Arlington Heights, Schaumburg, and Peoria are the highest-paying cities for plumbers in Illinois, with annual average salaries of $115,785, $91,364, and $86,614. Bloomington and East Dundee complete the top five with average yearly salaries of $84,105 and $84,056 respectively.
Plumbers in Chicago earn an annual average salary of $60,819.
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