How to Become a Plumber in Chicago, Illinois in 2025

How to Become a Plumber in Chicago, Illinois in 2025

Chicago’s plumbing industry is the backbone of the city’s infrastructure, ensuring clean water delivery, waste management, and public health safety. As aging pipes and modern high-rises drive demand, plumbing careers offer stability, competitive wages, and pathways to specialization. This guide demystifies the licensing process, apprenticeship requirements, and career outlook for aspiring plumbers in Chicago, combining municipal regulations, training timelines, and labor market insights.


The Critical Role of Licensing in Chicago Plumbing

Chicago enforces a dual licensing system to maintain high safety and code compliance standards. All plumbing contractors must hold both a state license from the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and a municipal license from the Chicago Department of Buildings (DOB). Unlike other cities, Chicago’s regulations are notably stricter, particularly for sewer systems and water supply configurations12.

Key License Types in Chicago:

  • Journeyman Plumber License: Permits work under a master plumber.
  • Master Plumber License: Required to supervise projects, obtain permits, and operate independently.
  • Plumbing Contractor License: Mandatory for businesses offering plumbing services3.

Licenses renew annually, requiring proof of insurance and continuing education credits. Violations of Chicago’s plumbing code can incur fines up to $2,000 per incident4.


Pathway to Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Chicago

Step 1: Educational Foundations

A high school diploma or GED is the minimum requirement. Courses in mathematics, physics, and blueprint reading provide a practical foundation for apprenticeships and licensing exams5.

Step 2: Apprenticeship Programs

Apprenticeships blend paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction. Chicago offers two primary pathways:

Union Programs

  • Pipefitters Local 597: A five-year program with 1,700 annual classroom hours and progressive wage increases, starting at $16/hour and reaching $45/hour for journeymen6.
  • Plumbers Local 130 UA: A four-year curriculum combining 8,000 fieldwork hours with 576 classroom hours, including healthcare and pension benefits78.

Non-Union Programs

  • Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA): A four-year apprenticeship costing $725 per semester, with courses on Illinois Plumbing Code and pipe system design9.

All apprentices must secure a licensed sponsor to validate their training hours.


Step 3: Examinations and Licensure

After completing an apprenticeship, candidates must:

  1. Pass the IDPH Exam: A $50 state test covering code compliance, safety protocols, and system design10.
  2. Apply for a Chicago License: Submit proof of apprenticeship completion, a $500 fee, and insurance documents to the Chicago Board of Plumbing Examiners11.

New 2025 exam updates emphasize sustainable design and IoT-integrated plumbing systems, reflecting industry trends12.


Timeline and Financial Investment

From Education to Licensure

Phase Duration Key Milestones
Pre-Apprenticeship 6–12 months High school/GED completion
Apprenticeship 4–5 years 8,000 fieldwork hours + classroom hours
Exam Preparation 3–6 months State exam study and registration
Municipal Licensing 4–8 weeks Application processing

Total Time: 4.5–6 years1314.

Cost Breakdown

Expense Type Cost Range
Apprenticeship Tuition $1,300–$2,900 annually
Licensing Fees $550 (state + city)
Tools and Materials $200–$500

Total Estimated Cost: $6,840–$10,240151617.


Salary Progression and Earnings Potential

Plumbers in Chicago earn 8% above the national average, with salaries reflecting experience and specialization:

Experience Level Average Annual Salary
Entry-Level (0–2 yrs) $58,821–$65,424
Mid-Career (3–5 yrs) $67,986–$71,756
Master Plumber (6+ yrs) $85,626+

Union members benefit from full healthcare coverage and pension plans, adding $15,000–$20,000 in annualized compensation1819. Suburban areas like Evanston offer marginal salary premiums due to demand for specialized services20.


Job Market Outlook and High-Demand Specializations

Infrastructure and Construction Driving Growth

  • Aging Systems: Over 4,000 miles of Chicago’s water pipes are over 100 years old, requiring urgent upgrades21.
  • New Construction: Residential permits surged 12% year-over-year in 2025, with high-rises in Fulton Market and South Loop fueling demand22.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 2% national growth for plumbers through 2028, but Chicago’s localized needs suggest higher regional demand23.

Lucrative Specializations

  • Green Plumbing: LEED-accredited professionals earn 15–18% premiums installing solar water heaters or greywater systems24.
  • Medical Gas Systems: Certified technicians command $82,000+ annually for hospital and lab installations25.
  • Smart Home Integration: Expertise in IoT leak detection systems aligns with Chicago’s tech-driven condominium market26.

Union Advantages and Continuing Education

Chicago’s union apprenticeships lead the market in benefits and training quality. Local 130 UA apprentices earn paid sick leave and annuity plans, with wages increasing biennially27. Post-licensure, plumbers must complete 4 annual hours of continuing education, with 2025 courses focused on heat pump integration and water conservation codes28.


Conclusion: Building a Future in Chicago’s Plumbing Trade

With a projected $2.1 billion invested in water infrastructure through 2030, Chicago offers plumbers recession-resistant careers backed by steady demand. Aspiring professionals should prioritize accredited apprenticeships and niche certifications to capitalize on the city’s growth. From repairing century-old pipes to installing cutting-edge systems, plumbing careers here blend tradition with innovation—ensuring both stability and opportunity.

Begin your journey by contacting the Plumbers Local 130 UA Training Center or enrolling in BFCA’s apprenticeship program today2930.

Footnotes

  1. Chicago Department of Buildings – Plumbing Contractor License

  2. Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA) – Plumbing Apprenticeship

  3. Chicago Department of Buildings – Plumbing Contractor License

  4. Chicago Department of Buildings – Plumbing Contractor License

  5. Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA) – Plumbing Apprenticeship

  6. Illinois Plumbing Consultants – Exam and Tuition Details

  7. Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA) – Plumbing Apprenticeship

  8. Plumbers Local 130 UA Training Program

  9. Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA) – Plumbing Apprenticeship

  10. Illinois Plumbing Consultants – Exam and Tuition Details

  11. Chicago Department of Buildings – Plumbing Contractor License

  12. Zippia – Plumbing Job Market Trends

  13. Chicago Department of Buildings – Plumbing Contractor License

  14. Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA) – Plumbing Apprenticeship

  15. Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA) – Plumbing Apprenticeship

  16. Illinois Plumbing Consultants – Exam and Tuition Details

  17. Salary.com – Plumber Salaries in Chicago

  18. Salary.com – Plumber Salaries in Chicago

  19. Plumbers Local 130 UA Training Program

  20. Salary.com – Plumber Salaries in Chicago

  21. Historical Overview of Chicago’s Plumbing Infrastructure

  22. Zippia – Plumbing Job Market Trends

  23. Zippia – Plumbing Job Market Trends

  24. Zippia – Plumbing Job Market Trends

  25. Specialty Plumbing Certifications and Earnings

  26. Emerging Technologies in Plumbing

  27. Plumbers Local 130 UA Training Program

  28. Zippia – Plumbing Job Market Trends

  29. Building and Fire Code Academy (BFCA) – Plumbing Apprenticeship

  30. Plumbers Local 130 UA Training Program

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Articles
Plumbing
How to Become a Plumber in Chicago, Illinois in 2025
Recent Articles
Plumbing
How to Become a Plumber in Chicago, Illinois in 2025
Plumbing
How to Become a Plumber in Chicago, Illinois in 2025
getgild.com. All Rights Reserved.
Gild is proud to be built in the USA