The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in Evanston, IL

Welcome to Evanston. As a career analyst who’s watched this city’s labor market for over a decade, I can tell you that moving here as a plumber isn't just about chasing a paycheck. It's about understanding a unique market shaped by a dense, historic housing stock, a major university, and a complex regulatory environment. This guide is built on hard data and local insights to give you a clear, unvarnished look at what your career looks like in this specific corner of Illinois.

The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

First, let's talk numbers. The plumbing trade in Evanston offers a solid middle-class wage, but it’s crucial to understand the local context. The median salary for a plumber in Evanston is $63,844/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.69/hour. This figure sits just above the national average of $63,350/year, a testament to the higher cost of living and demand in the Chicago metro area.

However, Evanston isn't a monolith; your earnings will vary significantly based on experience, licensing, and the type of work you pursue. Here’s a realistic breakdown:

Experience Level	Typical Years in Trade	Estimated Annual Salary Range	Key Responsibilities
Entry-Level	0-2 years	$45,000 - $55,000	Apprentice tasks, basic repairs, assisting journeymen
Mid-Level	3-7 years	$60,000 - $75,000	Independent service calls, rough-in for remodels, code compliance
Senior-Level	8-15 years	$75,000 - $90,000+	Complex commercial projects, mentorship, project management
Expert/Specialist	15+ years	$90,000 - $120,000+	Master plumber licensing, business ownership, medical gas, backflow

How does this compare to other Illinois cities? The data suggests Evanston is competitive. Chicago's metro area (of which Evanston is a core part) has 150 plumbing jobs, a stable number for a dense urban center. While salaries in downtown Chicago may be slightly higher due to high-rise and commercial work, Evanston offers a more balanced lifestyle without a major pay cut. Downstate cities like Peoria or Springfield typically see lower median salaries, often below $60,000, reflecting the lower cost of living. The 10-year job growth projection for plumbers nationally is 6%, a steady rate driven by the constant need for maintenance and new construction, which is particularly robust in Evanston's older housing stock.

Insider Tip: The biggest salary jump comes from obtaining your Illinois Professional Plumber License (often called the Master Plumber license). Licensed professionals who can pull permits and run their own projects command the highest rates, especially in the multi-family and commercial sectors common in Evanston.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A $63,844 salary sounds good on paper, but what does it mean for your daily life in Evanston? Let's break it down. The city's Cost of Living Index is 102.6, meaning it's 2.6% more expensive than the national average. Your biggest expense will be housing.

Average 1BR Rent: $1,231/month.

Here’s a monthly budget breakdown for a plumber earning the median salary. (Note: This is a simplified estimate. Actual take-home pay depends on your tax filing status, deductions, and benefits.)

• Gross Monthly Income: $5,320
• Estimated Payroll Taxes (FICA + State/Fed): ~$1,200
• Estimated Net Monthly Income: ~$4,120
• Rent (1BR Average): -$1,231
• Utilities (Est.): -$150
• Groceries: -$400
• Transportation (Car/Gas/Insurance): -$450
• Health Insurance (if not employer-paid): -$300
• Miscellaneous (Phone, etc.): -$150
• Remaining for Savings/Debt/Leisure: ~$1,439

This budget shows a comfortable surplus, allowing for savings and discretionary spending. However, can you afford to buy a home? It's challenging but not impossible. The median home price in Evanston is around $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a 30-year mortgage at current rates would result in a monthly payment (including taxes and insurance) of approximately $2,800 - $3,100. This would consume over 65% of your net income, which is financially strained. Buying a home in Evanston on a single plumber's salary is generally not feasible without significant savings, dual income, or purchasing a smaller condo/fixer-upper in a less expensive neighborhood. Renting is the more practical and financially sound choice for most early to mid-career professionals.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

Evanston's job market for plumbers is diverse, split between residential service companies, commercial contractors, and institutional facilities. Here are the key players and hiring trends:

1. Northwestern University: The largest single employer in the city. Their facilities department maintains hundreds of buildings, including dorms, labs (requiring specialized gas and lab-grade plumbing), and the hospital. They hire in-house plumbers and apprentices, offering excellent benefits and job stability. Hiring is steady, often posted on their internal and public job boards.
2. Evanston Hospital (NorthShore University HealthSystem): A major Level I trauma center. Hospital plumbing requires expertise in medical gas systems, backflow prevention, and high-purity water systems. This is a niche, high-demand specialty. Plumbers here are often employed directly by the hospital or through specialized mechanical contractors.
3. Local Mechanical & Plumbing Contractors: Companies like Advanced Mechanical, Comfort Systems USA, and J. Triten Plumbing are foundational employers. They handle everything from new residential builds in the 5th Ward to commercial fit-outs on Davis Street. They are the primary source of apprenticeship programs and journeyman positions. Hiring is cyclical, peaking in spring and summer.
4. City of Evanston Public Works: Maintains the city's water mains, sewer lines, and public facilities. These are unionized positions (often through the Local 134 or similar) with strong pensions and benefits. Jobs are competitive and often filled through civil service exams.
5. Property Management Companies: With a vast rental stock (over 50% of residents rent), companies like Mack Properties and The Habitat Company have in-house maintenance teams. These roles involve frequent service calls and preventative maintenance across multiple buildings. It's a stable, if less project-based, career path.
6. Residential Service Companies: Dozens of smaller, family-owned shops serve the dense housing stock. These are great for apprentices looking to learn the trade on a variety of older home systems. Word-of-mouth and online reviews are critical here.

Hiring Trend: Demand is strong. The 6% growth aligns with Evanston's aging housing stock (many pre-1940s homes needing repiping) and ongoing commercial development. The shift toward green plumbing (water-saving fixtures, hydronic heating) is creating new opportunities for those with updated skills.

Getting Licensed in Illinois

Licensing is non-negotiable in Illinois and is regulated by the Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Plumbing. Here’s the path:

1. Apprenticeship (4-5 years): You must complete a state-approved apprenticeship program, which involves 6,000 hours of on-the-job training and 144 hours of classroom instruction per year. You can find programs through the International Association of Plumbers and Pipefitters (Local 130, 134, etc.) or non-union contractors.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the Illinois Journeyman Plumber exam. This allows you to work independently under a Master Plumber.
3. Master Plumber License: This is the gold standard. To qualify, you need:
   • 8 years of experience as a licensed plumber (or a combination of experience and education).
   • Pass the Master Plumber exam.
   • Obtain a $10,000 surety bond.
   • Cost: The exam fee is $200. The surety bond varies but can be secured for a few hundred dollars per year. Total startup cost for a license is roughly $500 - $1,000.
4. Specialty Certifications: Backflow prevention device tester certification is a valuable add-on, required for many commercial and industrial clients. The course and exam cost around $300.

Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to being a licensed Master Plumber ready to run your own business is a 10+ year journey. It's a long game, but the financial and professional upside is substantial.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and rent. As a plumber, you'll likely work city-wide, so central access is key.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	Rent Estimate (1BR)	Why It's Good for Plumbers
Downtown Evanston	Urban, walkable, near the lake. 10-min walk to most jobs.	$1,450 - $1,600	Zero commute for service calls downtown. Close to transit for city-wide work. Higher rent, but saves on car costs.
South Evanston	Quiet, residential, family-oriented. 10-15 min drive to most jobs.	$1,200 - $1,350	More affordable rents. Easy highway access (Edens Expy) for jobs in northern suburbs.
West Evanston	Diverse, near the Metra. 15-20 min commute.	$1,100 - $1,250	Best value for rent. Close to the I-94 corridor for commercial work in Skokie or Chicago.
North Evanston	Upscale, near Northwestern. 15-20 min commute.	$1,300 - $1,500	Proximity to Northwestern and hospital jobs. Quiet streets, good for family life.
Skokie (Adjacent)	Suburban, highly diverse. 20-25 min commute to Evanston core.	$1,050 - $1,200	Significantly lower rent. A strong, dense rental market for maintenance work, and easy highway access.

Insider Tip: Many plumbers live in adjacent suburbs like Skokie, Niles, or Morton Grove for the lower housing costs and still have a quick drive into Evanston for work. The trade-off is a longer commute, but the financial relief is often worth it.

The Long Game: Career Growth

The plumbing career in Evanston has a clear ladder. The 6% job growth ensures steady demand, but your earning potential is tied to specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:
  • Medical Gas: Plumbers certified to work on hospital and lab gas systems can earn 20-30% more than standard commercial plumbers.
  • Backflow Prevention: Testers and installers for these devices are crucial for commercial compliance and can command higher hourly rates.
  • Hydronic & Radiant Heating: With Evanston's cold winters, expertise in modern heating systems is a year-round, high-value skill.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service & Repair Technician: Master the diagnostic side. Top performers can move into lead technician roles.
  2. Project Foreman: Oversee crews for new construction and major remodels. Requires strong organizational skills.
  3. Estimator/Project Manager: Move into the office, preparing bids and managing budgets for larger contractors.
  4. Business Owner: The ultimate step. With a Master Plumber license and bond, you can start your own shop. Evanston's dense, high-value housing stock is ripe for a reputable residential service company.
• 10-Year Outlook: The outlook is positive. The push for water conservation and energy efficiency will require retrofitting existing buildings. The continued growth of Northwestern University and NorthShore ensures demand for institutional maintenance. However, competition for the best jobs will remain. Those who invest in continuous education and specialty certifications will see the greatest financial rewards.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Making the move is a big decision. Here’s a balanced look at the pros and cons.

Pros	Cons
Strong, stable job market with diverse employers.	High cost of living, especially housing.
Above-average salary compared to national and downstate figures.	Competitive licensing process. Long path to Master Plumber status.
Diverse work: From historic home repairs to modern commercial projects.	Stringent local regulations. Evanston has its own building codes atop state rules.
Vibrant, educated community with great amenities and lake access.	Winters are harsh. Outdoor work in January/February can be challenging.
Proximity to Chicago for broader career and entertainment options.	Traffic congestion can impact commute times, especially on I-94.

Final Recommendation: Evanston is an excellent choice for a dedicated, career-focused plumber who values stability and a high quality of life. It's ideal for those willing to invest in long-term licensure and specialization. If you're looking for a quick, high-paying entry-level job without the commitment to education, you might find the initial journey challenging. However, for a journeyman with a few years of experience, this is a market where you can build a sustainable, rewarding career. It's not the place to get rich overnight, but it's a fantastic place to build a solid, middle-class life.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Chicago license to work in Evanston?
No. Evanston is in Cook County but has its own permitting authority. You need an Illinois State Plumbing License (Journeyman or Master) to work anywhere in the state. However, for any job requiring a permit (most work beyond simple repairs), you must also pull a City of Evanston Plumbing Permit. Your Master Plumber license is required to pull the permit and do the work.

2. How competitive is the apprenticeship market?
Very competitive, especially for union programs (Local 130/134). They have waiting lists. Your best bet is to apply to multiple non-union contractors directly. Showing up in person, having a clean driving record, and a willingness to start as a helper can get your foot in the door.

3. Is the work year-round?
Yes. While outdoor work slows in deep winter, service calls for frozen pipes, heating system issues, and indoor renovation projects keep plumbers busy. Commercial and institutional work is largely unaffected by weather.

4. What's the biggest challenge for plumbers new to Evanston?
Understanding the housing stock. Evanston has a mix of century-old clay sewer lines, galvanized steel pipes, and modern PVC. Diagnosing problems in these older homes requires specific experience. Additionally, navigating the city's permit process and knowing the local code inspectors is a learning curve.

5. Can I make more money than the median salary?
Absolutely. The $63,844 is a median, meaning half earn more. Licensed Master Plumbers who run their own businesses or specialize in commercial/medical work frequently earn $90,000+. Overtime is also common, especially in the busy season (spring/summer) and for emergency service calls.

Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), Illinois Department of Public Health, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, Zumper for rent data, Sperling's BestPlaces for cost of living index.