Plumber in Chicago, IL

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

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The Salary Picture: Where Chicago Stands

As a plumber considering a move to Chicago, you need to understand the local earning potential. The data shows a solid market for skilled tradespeople, with wages slightly above the national average. The median salary for a plumber in the Chicago metro area is $63,844/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.69/hour. This is a modest but meaningful increase over the $63,350/year national average for plumbers. For context, the metro area supports 5,328 jobs for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters, indicating a stable and active market.

This salary is competitive for a major metropolitan area with a cost of living slightly above the national average. The 10-year job growth projection for the metro is 6%, which suggests sustained demand driven by aging infrastructure, new construction, and ongoing maintenance needs across the city's vast building stock.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is a useful benchmark, your actual earnings will depend heavily on your experience, specialization, and the type of work you pursue (residential, commercial, or industrial).

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Factors in Chicago
Entry-Level (Apprentice, 0-2 years)	$42,000 - $55,000	Typically in union apprenticeships or non-union residential firms. Focus on learning the basics and local code.
Mid-Level (Journeyman, 3-7 years)	$58,000 - $75,000	This is where most licensed plumbers fall. Pay can vary by whether you're on prevailing wage (Davis-Bacon) projects, union scale, or private commercial/residential work.
Senior-Level (Master, 8-15 years)	$75,000 - $95,000+	Often involves supervisory roles, complex project management (especially in high-rises or institutional settings), or high-end residential service.
Expert/Specialist (15+ years + niche skills)	$95,000 - $120,000+	Think specialty welders for industrial plants, medical gas fitters for hospitals like Northwestern Memorial, or BIM/3D modeling coordinators for large construction firms.

Comparison to Other IL Cities

Chicago offers the highest earning potential in the state, but it's important to see how it stacks up against other Illinois markets.

City	Median Annual Salary	10-Year Job Growth	Key Industries for Plumbers
Chicago Metro	$63,844	6%	Major construction, institutional (hospitals, universities), residential service
Rockford	$59,200	5%	Manufacturing, residential
Peoria	$58,100	4%	Healthcare (OSF), agricultural equipment
Springfield	$57,500	4%	Government, healthcare
Champaign-Urbana	$56,800	5%	University of Illinois, tech startups, agriculture

Chicago's lead is clear, driven by the sheer scale and complexity of its built environment.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get real about what a $63,844 salary means in Chicago. You'll need to budget carefully, especially with housing costs.

Assumptions for this breakdown:

• Gross Annual Salary: $63,844
• Taxes (Federal + FICA + Illinois State): ~25% (a rough estimate for a single filer; your actual withholding will vary).
• Net Annual Pay: ~$47,883 ($3,990/month)
• Average 1BR Rent: $1,507/month
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet): $150/month
• Car Expense (Gas, Insurance, Payment): $300/month (Public transit is an option, but many tradespeople need a vehicle for tools/gear).
• Food & Groceries: $400/month
• Health Insurance (if not provided by employer): $300/month
• Retirement/Savings (10% of net): $399/month
• Miscellaneous (Clothing, Tools, Entertainment): $300/month

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a $63,844 Salary

Category	Monthly Cost	Notes
Net Income (after taxes)	$3,990	Your take-home pay.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,507	This is the citywide average. You can find lower in outer neighborhoods.
Utilities	$150
Transportation	$300	Higher if you have a car payment. CTA/Pace passes are cheaper.
Food & Groceries	$400
Health Insurance	$300	Assumes some employer contribution; will be higher if not.
Savings/Retirement (10%)	$399	Highly recommended for tradespeople due to physical demands.
Miscellaneous	$300	Tools, clothing, occasional entertainment.
Total Expenses	$3,356
Remaining Discretionary	$634	This is your buffer, not all for fun—covers unexpected costs.

Can you afford to buy a home? It's a challenge on this median salary alone. With a $63,844 income, you'd have a mortgage limit of roughly $250,000-$275,000 (using standard 28/36 debt-to-income ratios). In Chicago, that buys you a condo in many neighborhoods (like parts of the South Side, West Town, or Humboldt Park) or a single-family home in the far South or Southwest suburbs (like Bridgeview or Garfield Ridge). It often requires a dual-income household or significant savings for a down payment. Many Chicago plumbers live in the suburbs for more affordable single-family homes while working in the city.

Where the Jobs Are: Chicago's Major Employers

Chicago's plumbing job market is diverse, spanning union and non-union, residential, commercial, and industrial sectors. Here are key local employers and hiring trends:

1. Construction & Mechanical Firms: These are the backbone. Companies like F.H. Paschen, U.S. Engineering, and Mechanical Contractors Inc. handle massive projects for the city, hospitals (like Rush University Medical Center), and universities (like University of Chicago and Northwestern). Hiring is tied directly to the construction cycle; currently, there's strong demand for commercial/industrial plumbers for data centers, logistics warehouses, and hospital retrofits.

2. Service & Repair Companies: The residential service market is robust. Large local players include Windy City Plumbing and Pearson Plumbing. These firms offer steady, year-round work, especially in Chicago's older housing stock. Hiring trends favor plumbers with excellent customer service skills and diagnostic abilities.

3. Union JATCs (Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committees): The Chicago JATC (Local 130 UA) is a primary pathway. They don't "employ" you directly but place union members with signatory contractors. Getting into their apprenticeship is competitive but provides structured training, high wages (often above median), and strong benefits (pension, health care). They are always looking for motivated apprentices.

4. Institutional Maintenance: Think Chicago Public Schools, City Colleges of Chicago, and Cook County facilities. These are stable, full-time maintenance positions with great benefits and pensions. They hire through civil service exams, which you must study for and pass.

5. Industrial Plants: The South and Southeast Sides have remaining industrial parks. Companies like those in steel, food processing, or chemical manufacturing need in-house maintenance plumbers. This is a more niche, often higher-paying sector (often $80k+).

6. Facilities Management Companies: Firms that manage large commercial or residential buildings (e.g., for property management companies like Related Midwest or Magellan Development) employ in-house maintenance plumbers. These jobs offer stability and a consistent schedule.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a clear, but rigorous, licensing path managed by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) - Plumbing Division. It's a state license, not city-specific, which is a benefit.

Requirements:

• Apprenticeship: You must complete a registered apprenticeship program, typically 4 years (8,000 hours of on-the-job training) and 576 hours of classroom instruction. The Chicago JATC is the most prominent.
• Licensing: After apprenticeship, you become a Journeyman Plumber. To work independently or start a business, you need a Master Plumber license. This requires at least 5 years of full-time experience as a journeyman and passing a state exam.

Costs (Approximate):

• Apprenticeship Application Fee: $100-$200
• Exam Fees (Journeyman/Master): ~$150-$300 each
• License Fee: ~$150-$250 (varies by type)
• Tools/Books: $500-$1,500 (often subsidized by apprenticeships)

Timeline to Get Started:

• Year 1: Apply to apprenticeship programs (deadlines often in spring). Start as a first-year apprentice.
• Years 1-4: Work full-time, attend classes, earn progressively higher wages.
• Year 4: Graduate from apprenticeship, take journeyman exam.
• Year 5+: Work as journeyman. After 5+ years, prepare for Master Plumber exam.

Insider Tip: Illinois requires all plumbers to carry a state license. Working without one is illegal and carries heavy fines. The state reciprocates with Indiana and other states, making it easier if you're already licensed elsewhere.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, cost, and lifestyle. Here are some top picks for plumbers, balancing affordability and access to job sites.

1. Portage Park (Northwest Side): A classic trade worker neighborhood. More affordable than the near North Side, with good public transit (Blue Line, bus routes) to downtown and the Loop. You can find 1BR apartments for $1,200-$1,400. It's family-friendly with single-family homes, making it a good long-term spot if you're looking to buy.

2. Garfield Ridge (Southwest Side): Home to Midway Airport, this is a hub for tradespeople. Rent is very reasonable for Chicago ($1,100-$1,300 for a 1BR). Excellent highway access (I-55, I-290) makes it easy to get to job sites across the city and suburbs. It's a quiet, residential area with a strong community feel.

3. West Town (West of the Loop): If you want to be close to the action but still in a vibrant, changing area, West Town is a great choice. It's near the I-90/94 and I-294 expressways. Rents are higher ($1,600-$1,900 for a 1BR), but you're minutes from major commercial and residential projects. The neighborhood is filled with breweries, restaurants, and has a younger, professional vibe.

4. Bridgeport (South Side): The historic home of Chicago's plumbing dynasties (like the Pritzker family). It's a tight-knit, blue-collar community with deep roots in the trades. You can own a home here for under $300k. The commute to the Loop or South Side industrial areas is straightforward. Rents are low ($1,200-$1,400), but inventory is competitive.

5. The Suburbs (e.g., Berwyn, Cicero, Oak Lawn): Don't ignore the suburbs. They offer more space, better schools, and often lower property taxes. Rent for a 1BR can be similar or slightly lower ($1,300-$1,500), but you'll get more square footage. The commute into the city can be manageable via express trains (like the BNSF to Berwyn) or expressways (I-55, I-290). Many plumbers live here and service their local communities.

The Long Game: Career Growth

A plumber's career in Chicago isn't a dead-end job; it's a ladder. Here’s how to grow.

• Specialty Premiums: General plumbing is the foundation. To boost your earnings, specialize:

  • Medical Gas: Certified installers are in high demand for hospitals (Northwestern, UChicago, Lurie Children's) and clinics. This can add $5-$10/hour to your rate.
  • Fire Sprinklers: A separate license, but in high demand for commercial construction. Pay often exceeds general plumbing.
  • BIM/VDC Coordination: Learning 3D modeling software (like Revit) to coordinate plumbing layouts before construction begins is a growing field, especially for large design-build firms.
  • Industrial Pipefitting: Working on high-pressure systems in factories or power plants pays a significant premium.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Field to Office: Move from a journeyman to a project estimator or foreman/superintendent. This uses your field knowledge but adds management skills.
  2. Start Your Own Business: With a Master Plumber license, you can launch a service company. The Chicago area's large population guarantees steady work, but it requires business acumen, insurance, and marketing.
  3. Institutional Maintenance: Move into a full-time job with a pension at a school, university, or hospital. The pay may be slightly lower than top-tier construction work, but the benefits (healthcare, pension, stability) are unmatched.
  4. Teaching: Master Plumbers can become instructors at trade schools or apprenticeship programs, offering a stable, less physically demanding career.

• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is steady, not explosive. The key drivers will be the replacement of Chicago's aging water and sewer mains (a massive city-funded effort), the renovation of the city's historic building stock, and continued development in the logistics and data sectors. Plumbers who adapt to new technologies (like PEX, trenchless repair, and digital diagnostics) will be most secure. The physical nature of the work may push you toward supervision or specialization as you age.

The Verdict: Is Chicago Right for You?

Moving to Chicago for plumbing work is a strong career move, but it's not without its challenges.

Pros	Cons
Above-National-Average Pay: $63,844 is a solid income for a skilled trade.	High Cost of Living: Rent and taxes are significant, eating into your take-home pay.
Abundant, Diverse Work: From high-rises to single-family homes, you'll never be bored.	Harsh Winters: Working outdoors or in unheated spaces in January and February is a true test of endurance.
Strong Union Presence: The JATC offers top-tier training and benefits.	Complex Permitting: Chicago's building department can be bureaucratic. Knowledge of local codes is essential.
Path to Business Ownership: A large, dense market is ideal for starting your own shop.	Traffic & Commute: Getting between job sites can be time-consuming. Living near an expressway or L line is key.
Vibrant City Life: World-class food, culture, and sports are at your doorstep.	Property Taxes: High, especially if you buy a home in the city proper.

Final Recommendation: Chicago is an excellent choice for a plumber who is proactive, skilled, and willing to invest in the apprenticeship and licensing process. If you're a journeyman looking to specialize or a new apprentice seeking structured training, the opportunities are here. It's less ideal if you're seeking a low-cost, quiet lifestyle—Chicago is expensive and intense. For the right person, the financial and professional rewards are well worth the hustle.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Chicago city license or just an Illinois state license?
You need an Illinois state plumbing license from the IDPH. However, for work within Chicago city limits, you must also obtain a Chicago Plumbing License from the Department of Buildings. This requires a separate exam on Chicago's specific, often stricter, amendments to the state plumbing code. Many contractors handle this for their employees, but if you're independent, it's a must.

2. Is it easier to get work as a union or non-union plumber?
It depends on your priorities. The union (Local 130) offers higher average wages, better benefits (pension, annuity), and job security on large projects. However, apprenticeship is highly competitive. Non-union shops offer more flexibility, potentially faster hiring, and a wider variety of small-to-mid-sized residential and commercial jobs. Many plumbers start non-union and later join the union, or vice-versa.

3. What's the real cost of living beyond rent?
Your biggest expenses will be rent (~$1,507/mo), transportation (car insurance is high in the city, or a CTA pass is $105/month), and food. Don't forget property taxes if you buy—a $300