Plumber in Joliet, IL

The Salary Picture: Where Joliet Stands

If you're a plumber looking at Joliet, the first thing to know is that the pay here is solid, beating the national average for the trade. The median salary for a plumber in Joliet is $63,844/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $30.69/hour. This is a step up from the national average for plumbers, which sits at $63,350/year. In a city with a metro population of 147,944 and a cost of living index of 102.6 (just 2.6% above the U.S. average), that extra bit of income goes a long way.

The job market here is stable and specific. There are an estimated 295 plumbing jobs in the metro area, and the 10-year job growth for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters is projected at 6%. This isn't a boomtown for explosive growth, but it represents steady, reliable demand driven by the city's aging housing stock and ongoing commercial and industrial development.

Here’s how those numbers break down by experience level:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Hourly Equivalent
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$48,000 - $55,000	$23.08 - $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/Supervisor (15+ years)	$85,000+	$40.87+

Insider Tip: These figures are medians. Union plumbers (often with Local 130 UA in Chicago) can earn significantly more, especially with overtime and benefits. Non-union residential service plumbers might start lower but can have high earning potential through commission-based work.

When you compare Joliet to other Illinois cities, it holds its own. It’s more affordable than Chicago, where the cost of living is significantly higher, but offers similar trade wages. In smaller downstate cities like Springfield or Peoria, the median salary might be slightly lower, but the cost of living is also less. Joliet sits in a sweet spot: big-city job density with a more manageable cost structure.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get real about the numbers. A plumber earning the median salary of $63,844 is taking home approximately $47,500 - $49,000 per year after federal, state, and FICA taxes (estimated take-home is about 70-75% of gross). That breaks down to roughly $3,950 - $4,080 per month.

The biggest monthly expense will be housing. The average rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Joliet is $1,507/month. A plumber earning the median wage can comfortably afford this, spending about 37% of their take-home pay on a 1BR. For a more budget-conscious approach, a shared apartment or a 2BR split with a roommate can bring housing costs down to $800 - $1,000/month, freeing up significant cash for savings, tools, or a car payment.

Can they afford to buy a home? Absolutely. With a median home price in Joliet around $225,000 - $260,000, a plumber earning $63,844 has a strong position. Assuming a 20% down payment ($45,000 - $52,000), a monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would likely be between $1,400 - $1,700. This is highly feasible, as it’s comparable to or slightly less than the average rent. The key is saving for the down payment. Many local lenders and the Illinois Housing Development Authority offer programs for skilled tradespeople.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Median-Earning Plumber (Take-home: ~$4,150)

Expense Category	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR)	$1,507	Average. Can be lower.
Utilities (Elec, Gas, Water)	$200	Varies by season and home.
Car Payment & Insurance	$600	Essential in Joliet for work.
Groceries & Household	$500
Savings & Retirement	$500	401(k) or IRA.
Tools/Work Expenses	$200	Replacements, specialty tools.
Entertainment/Discretionary	$400
Total	$3,907	Leaves a $243 buffer.

Insider Tip: Joliet’s property taxes are relatively high for Illinois. When budgeting for a home, factor in an extra $400 - $600/month for property taxes on a $250,000 home. Always get a specific estimate from the county assessor.

Where the Jobs Are: Joliet's Major Employers

The plumbing job market in Joliet is a mix of residential, commercial, and industrial opportunities. You’re not just fixing leaky faucets in suburbs; you’re working on large-scale projects and servicing major local institutions.

1. Local 130 UA (Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 130): While based in Chicago, this union has a massive footprint in the Joliet area, especially for industrial and commercial work. They handle projects at the Ascension Saint Joseph Hospital Joliet, Silver Cross Hospital, and various Joliet Park District facilities. Union scale with benefits is top-tier.
2. Joliet Public Schools District 86 & Joliet Junior College: These institutions require constant plumbing maintenance and upgrade projects for their aging buildings. They often hire in-house maintenance staff or contract with local firms. A stable, government-adjacent job.
3. City of Joliet - Public Works Department: The city itself is a direct employer for plumbers and pipefitters working on municipal water mains, sewer lines, and public building maintenance. These jobs offer excellent benefits and pension plans, though they can be competitive to land.
4. Commercial Construction Firms: Companies like Dunlap & Company (based in nearby Plainfield) or Leopardo Construction (active in the region) frequently hire plumbers for large-scale projects. With ongoing development in the I-55 corridor and near the Rock Run Collection shopping area, commercial plumbing work is steady.
5. Residential Service Companies: Firms like Joliet Plumbing & Heating or B&B Plumbing are pillars of the local market. They focus on service, repair, and remodel work for the city’s vast housing stock. This is where you can build a reputation and potentially move into a supervisory role.
6. Industrial Facilities: The Joliet Army Arsenal (still an active military installation) and various manufacturing plants along the Des Plaines River (e.g., food processing, chemical) require specialized industrial pipefitters. These jobs often come with premium pay and shift differentials.

Hiring Trend: Demand is strongest for plumbers with a combination of residential service experience and commercial/industrial knowledge. The ability to work on hydronic heating systems, commercial boilers, and modern PEX/copper systems is highly valued.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a strict, state-mandated licensing system for plumbers. You cannot legally work as a plumber without an apprentice license or a journeyman/master license.

Steps to Get Started:

1. Apprentice Plumber License: This is your entry point. You must be at least 18, have a high school diploma or GED, and be employed by a licensed plumbing contractor. No exam is required for the apprentice license, but you must be enrolled in a state-approved apprenticeship program. The application fee is approximately $75.
2. Journeyman Plumber License: After completing 4 years of documented apprenticeship (with a minimum of 576 hours of classroom training and 8,000 hours of on-the-job training), you can apply for the state exam. The exam fee is around $150. The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) or the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR) oversees this.
3. Master Plumber License: To become a master plumber, you need at least 2 years of experience as a licensed journeyman and pass a more advanced exam. This is required to own a plumbing business or supervise work.

Timeline to Get Started: To go from apprentice to a licensed, independent journeyman plumber will take a minimum of 4 years. The entire process, including exam preparation and processing, can realistically take 4.5 to 5 years.

Insider Tip: The most reliable path is to join a registered apprenticeship program through Local 130 UA or the Illinois Plumbing Council. These programs provide the structured training and documentation needed for licensure. Self-sponsored apprenticeships are harder to track for the state.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Joliet is a large, diverse city where your neighborhood choice depends heavily on your commute and lifestyle. Here are four areas tailored for a working plumber.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Best For
Downtown Joliet	Urban, walkable, near the courthouse and entertainment. Close to many commercial jobs.	$1,400 - $1,600	Young professionals who want a short commute and don’t mind a smaller living space.
Rock Run	Modern, suburban feel. Close to major shopping (Target, Costco) and I-55 for easy access to job sites.	$1,500 - $1,700	Plumbers who want a newer apartment and easy highway access for service calls.
Homan Square / Historic District	Quiet, established neighborhoods with older homes. Great for service plumbers.	$1,200 - $1,450	Plumbers who prefer a quieter residential area and don’t mind a 10-15 minute drive to commercial hubs.
East Joliet / Near the Arsenal	More affordable, with a mix of housing. Close to industrial job sites and the I-80/I-55 interchange.	$1,100 - $1,350	Plumbers focused on industrial or municipal work who want to minimize commute time.

Insider Tip: If you’re buying a home, the historic district and East Joliet offer better value. Avoid the immediate area around the I-80 and I-55 interchange for residential living due to constant traffic noise, though it’s a prime spot for commercial businesses.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Joliet, career growth for a plumber is about specialization and moving from labor to management or business ownership.

• Specialty Premiums: Plumbers with expertise in medical gas systems (for hospitals), industrial process piping (for manufacturing), or green technology (solar thermal, greywater systems) can command 15-25% higher wages than generalist plumbers. Certifications from the American Welding Society (AWS) for pipe welding are a major plus.
• Advancement Paths:
  1. Service Technician to Service Manager: After 5-7 years, you can move into a supervisory role, managing a team of service plumbers for a company like B&B Plumbing.
  2. Journeyman to Master/Owner: After gaining your master license, you can start your own small business. Joliet has a strong market for local, trusted plumbing companies.
  3. Field Supervisor to Project Manager (Commercial): For those with commercial experience, moving into project management with a firm like Dunlap & Company allows you to oversee larger projects and budgets.
• 10-Year Outlook: The 6% job growth is reliable, not explosive. The real opportunity lies in the retirement wave. Many master plumbers in the region are approaching retirement, creating openings for licensed journeyman to step up. The ongoing need to replace aging water infrastructure and upgrade older homes for efficiency will provide consistent project work.

Insider Tip: Network with inspectors from the Joliet Building & Zoning Department. They know who is doing quality work and who is looking for reliable plumbers for upcoming projects. Attend local trade shows at the Rialto Square Theatre (which hosts industry events).

The Verdict: Is Joliet Right for You?

Joliet offers a compelling package for a plumber: a median salary ($63,844) that exceeds the national average, a stable job market (295 jobs), and a cost of living (102.6 index) that is only slightly above average. It’s a city of contrast—industrial grit and historic charm, with a growing downtown and sprawling suburbs.

Pros	Cons
Above-average pay for the trade.	High property taxes in Illinois.
Steady demand from aging housing stock.	Winters are harsh—can slow outdoor work.
Diverse job market (residential, commercial, industrial).	Traffic can be an issue, especially on I-55 and I-80.
Affordable home ownership is achievable.	Some areas are still recovering economically; research is key.
Proximity to Chicago for bigger projects or union opportunities.	Less of a "tradie" culture than in some other regions.

Final Recommendation: Joliet is an excellent choice for a plumber who is past the apprenticeship stage and looking to establish a stable career with growth potential. It’s especially good for those interested in commercial/industrial work or who want to eventually start their own small business. If your priority is the absolute highest earning potential and you’re willing to commute, the Chicago suburbs are better. If you want a balance of good pay, manageable living costs, and a genuine community feel, Joliet is a smart, pragmatic move.

FAQs

Q: Do I need a car to work as a plumber in Joliet?
A: Yes, absolutely. While the downtown area is walkable, most job sites (residential neighborhoods, commercial strips, industrial parks) are spread out. A reliable truck or van is essential for carrying tools and materials. Public transportation (PACE buses) is not practical for service work.

Q: How does union vs. non-union work compare in Joliet?
A: Union (Local 130 UA) work typically offers higher hourly wages, better benefits (pension, health insurance), and more structured overtime. It’s strongest in commercial/industrial work. Non-union work is common in residential service and smaller commercial jobs. It can offer more flexibility and potential for direct commission, but benefits are often less comprehensive. Many plumbers start non-union and transition to union later.

Q: What’s the demand for apprentices?
A: High. The licensed journeyman shortage means companies are eager to train apprentices. The best route is through a registered apprenticeship program. Contact the Illinois Plumbing Council or check union hiring halls. Be prepared to start at the apprentice wage ($23-$26/hr), but it’s a direct path to the median wage of $63,844 within 4 years.

Q: Is Joliet a good place to start my own plumbing business?
A: Yes, but with caution. The market is competitive but not saturated. There’s a real need for reliable, trustworthy local plumbers. The key is to specialize (e.g., sewer line cameras, tankless water heaters) and build a strong reputation through community networks. Master licensure is required to own the business.

Q: How does the cost of living affect the $63,844 salary?
A: Very positively. While the cost of living is 2.6% above the U.S. average, the plumber’s median salary is above the national average. This means your purchasing power is stronger here than in many other metro areas. The main cost driver is housing, but the median salary comfortably covers an average 1BR rent and leaves room for savings or a mortgage, making it a financially viable location for the trade.