how to become a plumber in illinois (2026)
Becoming a licensed plumber in Illinois takes 4–5 years (apprenticeship) + trade school. You'll go through trade school or an apprenticeship, accumulate on-the-job hours, and pass the Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation exam. Here's exactly what to expect — and how to do it as fast as possible.
step 1: choose your training path
There are two main routes to becoming a licensed plumber in Illinois:
| path | timeline | cost | best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Union Apprenticeship | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) + trade school | Low to free (paid while learning) | Maximum wages, full benefits, union card |
| Trade School + OJT | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) + trade school | $5,000–$20,000 tuition | Faster classroom phase, more flexible |
| Vo-Tech / Community College | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) + trade school | $3,000–$12,000 | Lower cost, stackable credentials |
Training sources in Illinois: UA (Plumbers & Steamfitters) apprenticeships, PHCC programs. These are the primary pathways that lead to the Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation exam.
step 2: complete your apprenticeship hours
Regardless of which training path you choose, Illinois requires documented on-the-job experience hours before you can sit for the journeyman exam. You'll work under a licensed journeyman or master plumber, learning hands-on skills including:
- Pipe fitting
- water systems
- drainage
- gas lines
- code
step 3: pass the Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation exam
The licensing exam tests your knowledge of trade theory, state-specific code, safety regulations, and practical applications. The exam is administered by the Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation. Key things to know:
Exam prep tip: Most candidates who fail on the first attempt do so because they underestimate the code section. Focus on the applicable code book ({"electrician":"NEC (National Electrical Code)","plumber":"UPC or IPC (plumbing codes)","hvac":"ASHRAE standards, EPA 608","welder":"AWS welding codes","carpenter":"IBC, local building codes"}.get(trade_slug, "trade code")) and practice calculations, not just definitions.
step 4: work as a journeyman, advance to master
Once you pass the journeyman exam, you can work independently on permitted jobs in Illinois. The next milestone is the master plumber license, which typically requires 2+ additional years of journeyman experience. With a master license, you can:
- Pull permits independently
- Run your own crew or business
- Bid on commercial and government contracts
- Command salaries of $91,597–$111,952 per year
salary outlook in illinois
Illinois, particularly Chicago, is one of the strongest union trade markets in the Midwest. Commercial construction wages rival coastal cities. Plumbers here earn a median of $67,850 per year. Entry-level work starts around $50,209, and master-licensed tradespeople and contractors can reach $105,167 or more.
Demand drivers: water infrastructure, residential boom, commercial construction. BLS projects 9% job growth nationally through 2032, and Illinois tracks at or above that rate.
where the work is in illinois
ready to find a program in illinois?
hardhat indexes trade schools and apprenticeship programs across Illinois. Find one near you in under a minute.
find programs near me browse apprenticeships try scout first →frequently asked questions
How do I become a plumber in Illinois?
Complete trade school or a union apprenticeship (UA (Plumbers & Steamfitters) apprenticeships, PHCC programs), accumulate the required on-the-job hours, then pass the Illinois Dept of Financial and Professional Regulation licensing exam. The full process takes 4–5 years (apprenticeship) + trade school.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Illinois?
Typically 4–5 years (apprenticeship) + trade school — this includes the classroom/theory phase plus the apprenticeship hours required to sit for the journeyman exam.
How much do plumbers make in Illinois?
Plumbers in Illinois earn a median of $67,850 per year. Entry-level: $50,209. Experienced journeyman: $78,027–$91,597. Master license: $91,597+.
Is becoming a plumber worth it in Illinois?
Yes. Illinois's plumber market is strong — illinois, particularly chicago, is one of the strongest union trade markets in the midwest. commercial construction wages rival coastal cities. Hardhat's AI survival score for plumbers is 76/100. This work is difficult to automate and in high demand.