The Complete Career Guide for Plumbers in Peoria, IL

If you’re a plumber thinking about moving to the Midwest, you could do a lot worse than Peoria, Illinois. I’ve lived here for over a decade, and I’ve watched the city’s economy weather storms—from the decline of the Caterpillar headquarters to the resilient growth of the healthcare sector. For a skilled trade like plumbing, this city offers a stable, affordable base with real opportunities for growth. This isn’t a sales pitch; it’s a data-driven look at what your life as a plumber would actually look like in the River City.

The Salary Picture: Where Peoria Stands

Let’s get straight to the numbers, because that’s what matters when you’re budgeting for a move. The median salary for a plumber in Peoria is $61,183/year, which breaks down to an hourly rate of $29.41/hour. It’s important to put this in context. The national average for plumbers is $63,350/year, meaning Peoria sits just below the U.S. median. This is typical for our region, where the lower cost of living offsets slightly lower wages.

For a city with a metro population of 113,442, there are 226 plumbing jobs in the area, with a 10-year job growth projection of 6%. This growth isn’t explosive, but it’s steady and reliable. The demand is driven by an aging housing stock (many homes in the city were built between the 1950s and 1980s) and the constant need for commercial and institutional maintenance.

Here’s how salaries typically break down by experience level in the Peoria market:

Experience Level	Typical Annual Salary	Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	Often starts as an apprentice helper. Expect more residential service calls.
Mid-Career (3-7 years)	$58,000 - $70,000	Licensed journeymen. You can specialize or take on more commercial work.
Senior (8-15 years)	$71,000 - $85,000	Master plumber status. Often leads teams or handles complex commercial projects.
Expert/Owner-Operator	$90,000+	Running your own shop or specializing in high-demand niches like medical gas or industrial pipefitting.

Comparison to Other Illinois Cities:

• Chicago: Median salary is higher ($78,000+), but the cost of living (especially rent) is more than double.
• Springfield: Very similar to Peoria in both salary ($60,500) and cost of living.
• Quad Cities (Davenport/Moline): Slightly lower median salary ($59,000), but the job market is comparable.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

A salary of $61,183 looks different when you factor in taxes and Peoria’s low living costs. Using the median rent for a 1BR apartment ($756/month) and Illinois’ state income tax (4.95%), here’s a realistic monthly budget.

Monthly Budget Breakdown for a Plumber Earning $61,183:

• Gross Monthly Pay: ~$5,099
• Estimated Taxes (Federal, FICA, State): ~$1,200
• Net Monthly Pay (Take-Home): ~$3,899
• Rent (1BR): $756
• Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water, Internet): $200
• Groceries & Household: $450
• Car Payment/Insurance/Gas: $600 (Peoria is car-dependent; public transit is limited)
• Health Insurance (if employer plan is not 100% covered): $300
• Retirement Savings (10% of gross): $510
• Remaining "Discretionary" Money: $1,083

Can they afford to buy a home?
Yes, absolutely. With the median home price in Peoria around $150,000, a plumber earning the median salary can qualify for a mortgage comfortably. Let’s say you put 5% down ($7,500). Your monthly mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would be roughly $1,100-$1,200. This is very manageable on a take-home pay of nearly $3,900, and it’s a major reason many tradespeople choose Peoria over larger metros. The low cost of living directly translates to homeownership being a realistic goal, not a distant dream.

Where the Jobs Are: Peoria's Major Employers

The plumbing job market here is split between residential service, commercial construction, and institutional maintenance. The big employers are not just in construction; the healthcare giants are huge consumers of plumbing services.

1. Caterpillar Inc. (Peoria & Morton): While the global HQ moved to Texas, the Peoria-area operations are still massive. They employ plumbers and pipefitters for plant maintenance, hydraulic systems, and facility upkeep. These are union (UA Local 60) jobs with excellent benefits and pay that can exceed the median.
2. OSF HealthCare & UnityPoint Health: The two major hospital systems are constantly renovating, expanding, and maintaining their facilities. They need plumbers for medical gas lines, sterile water systems, and general facility repair. These are stable, long-term positions often listed as "Facilities Technician" or "Maintenance Mechanic."
3. The City of Peoria: The municipal water department and public works division hire plumbers for maintaining the city's water/sewer lines and public buildings. City jobs come with a strong pension (IMRF) and job security.
4. Local Construction Firms (e.g., Schmidt Bros., Garrow & Sons): These are the backbone of the commercial and residential construction scene. They hire journeymen for new builds and large-scale renovations. Hiring is often cyclical but steady.
5. Peoria Public Schools & District 150: Maintaining boilers, water fountains, and sewage systems across dozens of schools requires a dedicated crew of tradespeople. These are union (AFSCME) positions with good hours and summer breaks.
6. Small-to-Medium Service Companies: This is where a lot of the action is. Companies like Peoria Plumbing & Heating or Comfort Systems handle the vast residential service market. They’re often looking for licensed journeymen for on-call service and installation work.

Hiring Trend Insight: The demand is shifting toward plumbers with digital skills (using camera inspection tools, smart home integration) and those who can handle commercial/industrial work. Residential service is always busy, but the commercial sector in Peoria’s growing healthcare corridor offers more specialization opportunities.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a clear, regulated path for plumbers. You can’t just start working; you need to be licensed through the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

1. Apprenticeship: This is the first step. You need 4 years (8,000 hours) of on-the-job training under a licensed plumber. You must also complete 576 hours of classroom instruction. Apprenticeship programs are often run through the Joint Apprenticeship & Training Committee (JATC) for UA Local 60 (the Plumbers & Pipefitters union). They handle the training and placement.
2. Journeyman License: After completing your apprenticeship, you can take the state exam. The exam fee is approximately $150. Once you pass, you can work independently as a licensed journeyman plumber.
3. Master Plumber License: Requires 4 additional years as a journeyman (or a total of 8 years experience) and passing a more advanced exam. This is required to open your own business, pull permits, and supervise other plumbers. Exam fee: ~$200.
4. Costs & Timeline: Apprenticeship programs are often paid for by your employer or union dues. You’ll be earning while you learn (starting around $18-$20/hour as an apprentice). The entire process, from starting your apprenticeship to getting your journeyman license, takes about 4-5 years. The total out-of-pocket cost for exams is under $400.

Insider Tip: The UA Local 60 JATC program is the most direct and well-respected route. However, non-union contractors also sponsor apprenticeships. Call the IDPH’s Plumbing & Piping Division for a list of licensed master plumbers who can sponsor your apprenticeship hours.

Best Neighborhoods for Plumbers

Peoria is not a large city, so commute times are generally reasonable. However, where you live affects your lifestyle and budget.

Neighborhood	Vibe & Commute	1BR Rent Estimate	Why It's Good for Plumbers
North Peoria (Knoxville Ave Corridor)	Suburban, family-friendly. 15-20 min drive to most job sites.	$800 - $950	Close to major shopping, easy I-74 access, newer housing stock (good for service calls).
Downtown/Forrest Hill	Urban, walkable. 5-15 min to jobsites.	$700 - $850	Older homes with character (and plumbing challenges), close to restaurants and nightlife.
West Bluff (Bradley U area)	Historic, academic. 10-15 min commute.	$650 - $800	Affordable, great for students or young professionals. Older homes need constant upkeep.
Sunnyland/Sheridan	Quiet, established. 15-25 min commute.	$600 - $750	Very affordable, safe, and close to the river and parks. A good "starter" neighborhood.
Morton (Suburban)	Very quiet, family-centric. 20-30 min commute.	$850 - $1,000	If you want top-rated schools and a lawn, but you'll drive a bit more.

The Long Game: Career Growth

In Peoria, career growth for a plumber comes from specialization, management, or entrepreneurship.

• Specialty Premiums: The real money is in niches. Plumbers with certifications in medical gas installation (for hospitals) or industrial pipefitting (for manufacturing plants) can command $5-$10/hour more than generalists. Backflow prevention certification is another highly sought-after skill for commercial properties.
• Advancement Paths: The common path is: Apprentice → Journeyman (service/install) → Lead Technician → Service Manager or Foreman. Another path is: Journeyman → Master Plumber → Business Owner. Many successful local shops are started by former employees of the larger companies.
• 10-Year Outlook (6% Growth): The growth is tied to the stability of the healthcare and manufacturing sectors. As older plumbers retire, there will be a significant demand for new journeymen and masters. The key will be adapting to new technologies—like trenchless sewer repair and water-efficient fixture systems—which are becoming standard in commercial and high-end residential work.

The Verdict: Is Peoria Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Extreme Affordability: The Cost of Living Index is 88.6 (vs. US avg 100). Your paycheck goes far.	Limited Public Transit: You will need a reliable vehicle.
Steady Job Market: 226 jobs and 6% growth are solid numbers for a mid-sized metro.	Midwest Weather: Cold winters and humid summers.
Path to Homeownership: You can buy a home on a single plumber's salary.	Smaller City Vibe: Fewer big-city amenities and cultural events.
Union Presence: UA Local 60 offers strong wages, benefits, and training.	Economic Dependency: Still tied to the fortunes of healthcare and heavy industry.
Central Location: Easy drive to Chicago, St. Louis, or Indianapolis for weekend trips.	Competition for Top Jobs: The best-paying commercial/union jobs are competitive.

Final Recommendation: Peoria is an excellent choice for plumbers who value financial stability, homeownership, and a manageable pace of life. If you're a journeyman plumber looking to start a family or buy a house without drowning in debt, this city is a hidden gem. It’s less ideal for those seeking a booming, fast-paced urban environment. The opportunity is here to build a solid career and a comfortable life.

FAQs

1. I'm a licensed plumber from another state. Can I work in Illinois right away?
No. Illinois does not have reciprocity with most states for journeyman licenses. You will likely need to apply for a license by examination. You may be able to test out of some apprenticeship hours if you can prove your out-of-state experience, but you must contact the IDPH directly to start this process.

2. How competitive is the union (UA Local 60) in Peoria?
It's competitive but not impossible to get in. The JATC program takes new applicants periodically. Having prior experience, a clean driving record, and passing a basic aptitude test helps significantly. Being a union plumber in Peoria is the surest path to the top of the pay scale and benefits.

3. What's the cost of living really like?
It's very reasonable. The median rent of $756 is key. Groceries, utilities, and gas are also below the national average. You can live comfortably on the median salary of $61,183 and still have money for savings and fun.

4. Is the job market really growing by 6%?
This is the 10-year projection from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) for the broader "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" category in the Peoria MSA. It's not a boom, but a steady, reliable increase that should outpace population growth, ensuring good job security for new entrants.

5. What's the biggest challenge for new plumbers in Peoria?
The biggest challenge is often getting your foot in the door with a quality employer. The best companies—both union and non-union—tend to hire from within their apprenticeship programs. Building a network through local trade schools or the IDPH licensing board is crucial. Don't just apply online; make calls and ask about apprenticeship sponsorship.