Plumber in Aurora, IL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Plumbers considering a move to Aurora, Illinois.

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The Salary Picture: Where Aurora Stands

Aurora offers a solid earning potential for plumbers, one that sits right at the national average but with a local cost of living that is slightly more favorable than the national benchmark. Let's break down the numbers. The median salary for a plumber in Aurora is $63,844/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.69/hour. This is marginally higher than the national average of $63,350/year, giving local plumbers a slight edge when adjusted for the local economy.

When we look at the job market, the data is cautiously optimistic. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data for the Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI metro area indicates there are approximately 358 jobs specifically for plumbers. The 10-year job growth projection is 6%, which is slower than the national average for many skilled trades but still indicates steady demand, driven by new construction in the Aurora area and the constant need for maintenance in an older housing stock.

To give you a clearer picture of earnings progression, here’s a breakdown by experience level. Note that these are estimates based on local trade data and the provided median salary.

Experience Level	Years of Experience	Estimated Annual Salary	Estimated Hourly Rate
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$48,000 - $55,000	$23.00 - $26.44
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$60,000 - $72,000	$28.85 - $34.62
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$70,000 - $85,000	$33.65 - $40.87
Expert/Lead	15+ years	$85,000 - $100,000+	$40.87 - $48.08+

Compared to other Illinois cities, Aurora's salary is competitive. Plumbers in Chicago's higher cost of living might see a slightly higher median salary (around $70,000), but the suburban market in Aurora offers a strong balance. In smaller Illinois cities like Rockford or Peoria, salaries might trend lower (around $58,000-$60,000), but Aurora's proximity to the massive Chicago metro job market provides more opportunities for specialized work and higher-end residential projects.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what a plumber earning the median salary of $63,844 can expect. This is a single filer's estimate, assuming no dependents and standard deductions.

Annual Gross Income: $63,844
Estimated Federal Tax (22% bracket): ~$8,500
Estimated State Tax (IL flat 4.95%): ~$3,160
FICA (7.65%): ~$4,885
Estimated Annual Take-Home Pay: ~$47,300 (or ~$3,942/month)

Now, let's factor in rent. Aurora's average 1-bedroom apartment rent is $1,231/month. This is a critical data point.

Monthly Budget Breakdown:

• Take-Home Pay: $3,942
• Rent (1BR): $1,231
• Remaining for Utilities, Food, Transport, Savings: $2,711

This leaves a healthy surplus for a single person. A plumber can comfortably afford the average rent while building savings, contributing to retirement, and covering living expenses. The Cost of Living Index for Aurora is 102.6 (US avg = 100), meaning it's 2.6% more expensive than the national average, but this is heavily influenced by housing. For a trade earning a solid wage, Aurora is financially manageable.

Can they afford to buy a home? Yes, with discipline. The median home price in Aurora is around $280,000. With a $47,300 annual income, a plumber would need a significant down payment (ideally 20%, or $56,000) to secure a conventional loan without PMI. However, many local lenders offer FHA loans with a 3.5% down payment (~$9,800). The monthly mortgage payment on a $280,000 home (with 20% down) would be roughly $1,100-$1,300 (including taxes and insurance), which is comparable to the average rent. This makes homeownership a realistic goal for a mid-career plumber in Aurora.

Where the Jobs Are: Aurora's Major Employers

Aurora's plumbing job market is a mix of large-scale commercial contractors, local residential firms, and municipal work. The city's growth and aging infrastructure create consistent demand.

1. City of Aurora Public Works Department: The most stable employer. They handle all municipal water, sewer, and stormwater systems. Hiring is done through the city's civil service system. Pay is competitive with excellent benefits and pension. Insider Tip: Jobs here are competitive. Watch the City of Aurora's official job board closely and ensure your Illinois Plumbing License is in good standing. They often seek licensed journeyman and master plumbers for maintenance and capital projects.

2. W.A. Kuhn Plumbing & Heating (Local Branches): A major regional player with a strong presence in the Fox Valley. They do extensive commercial and industrial work, including at nearby hospitals and schools. These are union-affiliated jobs (UA Local 130, if in Chicago, or local equivalents), which often come with higher hourly rates, better benefits, and structured apprenticeships. Hiring Trend: They are actively hiring for apprentice and journeyman roles to support new construction projects in the Aurora area.

3. Local Residential Service Companies: Aurora is home to dozens of family-owned plumbing companies. Firms like A-Action Plumbing, Rootermann of Aurora, and B&L Plumbing are constantly hiring service technicians and installers. The work is fast-paced, with a focus on customer service and troubleshooting. Insider Tip: Success here means being efficient, personable, and able to handle the variety of older homes in the area. Commission-based pay structures are common for service techs, so strong sales skills can boost your income.

4. Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital (Barrington) & Rush Copley Medical Center (Aurora): While the hospitals themselves have internal facilities teams, they rely on large, local contractors for major renovations, expansions, and specialized piping work (medical gas, etc.). Getting on the vendor list for these contractors is a gateway to high-value, recurring commercial work. Hiring Trend: Ongoing maintenance and expansion projects, especially in outpatient facilities, create steady contract work.

5. Starbucks Roasting Plant (Aurora): This massive facility is a major industrial employer. Their in-house maintenance team includes plumbers to handle process piping, water filtration, and steam systems. The pay is often above residential service rates, and the work environment is more predictable. Insider Tip: These positions are posted on Starbucks' corporate career site. They value experience with industrial piping and high-pressure systems.

6. Aurora University & Waubonsee Community College: Both institutions have ongoing facilities projects. The university, in particular, has been expanding its campus. These jobs can be full-time internal positions or contracted out to local firms. They offer a stable, Monday-Friday schedule.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a rigorous licensing system administered by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). You cannot work as a plumber without proper licensure.

Steps to Licensure:

1. Apprenticeship: Complete a 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program. This is typically done through a union (UA) or a non-union program approved by the Illinois Department of Labor. You must be registered with the IDFPR as an apprentice.

2. Journeyman Plumber License:

   • Requirements: Be at least 21 years old, complete your apprenticeship, and pass the Illinois plumber examination.
   • Exam: The exam is administered by PSI Exams. It covers the Illinois Plumbing Code (based on the International Plumbing Code with IL amendments) and state laws.
   • Cost: Exam fee is approximately $125. The license application fee is around $150.
   • Timeline: You can apply for the exam once your apprenticeship is complete. The review process can take 4-8 weeks.

3. Master Plumber License:

   • Requirements: Must hold a journeyman license for at least 5 years, have a minimum of 2 years of experience as a foreman or supervisor, and pass the Master Plumber exam.
   • Exam: A more advanced exam focusing on business law, advanced plumbing systems, and design.
   • Cost: Exam fee ~$150. License fee ~$200.
   • Timeline: This is a long-term goal, typically reached after 8-10+ years in the trade.

Insider Tip: Bring your own tools. In Illinois, apprentices are required to have a basic set of tools, and journeymen are expected to have a full set. This is a significant upfront investment ($500-$1,500) but is non-negotiable.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Living in Aurora offers a variety of neighborhood vibes, each with different rent prices and commute times to job sites across the metro area.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Avg. 1BR Rent	Ideal For
Downtown Aurora	Urban revival, walkable, historic. Easy access to I-88 for jobs in Naperville or Chicago.	$1,100 - $1,400	Young plumbers who want nightlife and a short commute to city jobs.
West Aurora	Traditional suburban, family-friendly, good schools. Close to the Fox River and major shopping.	$1,150 - $1,300	Plumbers with families or those seeking a quiet, established community.
Boulder Hill	Mid-century neighborhoods, more affordable housing, easy access to major highways (I-88, Rt 30).	$950 - $1,200	Plumbers prioritizing affordability and a central location for commuting to various job sites.
Fermilab Area (Batavia)	Quiet, leafy, with a science/research vibe. Close to Batavia and St. Charles for jobs.	$1,200 - $1,450	Plumbers who prefer a quieter, more scenic environment and don't mind a slightly longer commute to Aurora proper.
Copley Place	Upscale, newer apartment complexes, very close to Rush Copley Medical Center and shopping.	$1,300 - $1,550	Established plumbers with higher incomes looking for modern amenities and a quick commute to the medical district.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Aurora doesn't have to be a straight line. Specializing can significantly boost your income and job security.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with certifications in medical gas installation (ASSE 6010) or backflow prevention can command premiums of 10-20% over base rates. These are critical for hospital and commercial work. Industrial piping skills, especially for manufacturing or food/beverage plants (like the Aurora Starbucks roastery), are also in high demand and pay well.
• Advancement Paths: The traditional path is Apprentice → Journeyman → Master Plumber. From there, you can move into:
  • Estimating/Project Management: For larger commercial contractors. Requires strong math and organizational skills.
  • Business Ownership: Aurora has a thriving small business climate. Many successful local plumbing companies are owner-operated.
  • Specialty Inspector: With a master's license and additional training, you can become a plumbing inspector for the City of Aurora or surrounding municipalities. This offers a stable government job with a pension.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is a baseline. The real opportunity lies in the "green" transition. Aurora and Illinois are pushing for energy efficiency. Plumbers skilled in installing high-efficiency water heaters, hydronic radiant heating, and greywater systems will be ahead of the curve. The aging Chicago metro housing stock guarantees a never-ending demand for repipes and repairs, insulating the trade from economic downturns.

The Verdict: Is Aurora Right for You?

Aurora presents a compelling case for plumbers seeking a balance between strong wages and a manageable cost of living. It’s a city of opportunity for skilled trades, but it’s not without its challenges.

Pros	Cons
Strong Median Salary of $63,844 that exceeds national average.	Slightly higher cost of living (102.6 index) than the US average.
Access to the massive Chicago metro job market (358 jobs).	Union influence can be strong, making non-union work competitive.
Diverse employment options: municipal, commercial, industrial, and residential.	Illinois licensing is rigorous and requires a significant time investment.
Manageable rent (~$1,231 for a 1BR) allows for savings and homeownership.	Winters can be harsh, and outdoor work/pipe freezing is a seasonal challenge.
Central location with great access to I-88, I-55, and Metra for commuting.	Traffic can be heavy during peak hours on major corridors.

Final Recommendation:
Aurora is an excellent choice for a mid-career plumber (3-7 years experience) who is already licensed or is in the final stages of their apprenticeship. The salary can support a comfortable lifestyle, and the job market offers a clear path to advancement, whether in management or business ownership. For an entry-level apprentice, the cost of living might be a stretch initially, but the long-term earning potential in the Chicago metro area is worth the investment. For an expert plumber, Aurora provides a lower-stress alternative to Chicago proper with access to high-value commercial projects.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be a union plumber to find work in Aurora?
No, but it helps. Union plumbers (UA Local 130) have access to the best benefits and apprenticeship programs for large-scale commercial projects. However, there is a robust market for non-union plumbers in residential service and with smaller contractors. Your skills and license are what matter most.

2. How long does it take to get a license if I'm moving from another state?
Illinois does not have full reciprocity with many states. You will likely need to document your experience and pass the Illinois exam. Contact the IDFPR directly; the process can take 3-6 months. Some states have a "comparable license" agreement, but it's best to start the verification process early.

3. What's the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Aurora?
Understanding the local plumbing codes. Illinois amendments to the International Plumbing Code are specific, especially regarding backflow prevention and frost-proofing pipes. The harsh winters also require a different approach to pipe installation and insulation than in warmer climates. On-the-job learning is essential.

4. Can I make more than the median salary?
Absolutely. The $63,844 is a median. Master plumbers, those in specialized industrial roles, and successful service technicians can earn $85,000 to $100,000+. Owning your own business is the most direct path to exceeding the six-figure mark.

5. Is the job market saturated?
With 358 jobs in the metro, it's competitive but not oversaturated. The key is specialization. A generalist might struggle, but a plumber with a specialty in commercial systems, medical gas, or high-efficiency systems will have no trouble finding work. The 10-year growth of 6% indicates steady, ongoing demand.