Licensing Guides
Illinois Plumbing License: How to Become a Licensed Plumber in Illinois
Plumbing, IL
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Illinois
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Illinois?
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Illinois?
Does My Illinois Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Illinois?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Illinois?
You can’t rush through the training it takes to become a plumber, but that time and effort leads to a career that is long-lasting, lucrative, and fulfilling. Almost every state requires plumbers to be licensed because it’s complicated work that affects the health and safety of our society.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there are 504,500 plumbers nationwide, and Illinois employs 18,730 of them. The national number is projected to grow 5% from 2024 to 2034, adding 44,000 to the ranks across the country. In Illinois, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website, the projected growth rate is slightly lower at 3% for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, “Construction employment in Illinois in July 2025 totaled 239,500, an increase of 3,100 (1.3%) from July 2024 and an increase of 11,600 or 5% from February 2020.”
If you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from when you’re ready.
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Licensing requirements for plumbers vary from state to state and, in some cases, from locality to locality. Illinois has statewide standards for working in the plumbing ,beginning at the apprentice level.
Plumbing License Requirements for Plumbers in Illinois
Is a license required for plumbers in Illinois? Yes. It is mandated from the very beginning. In the state of Illinois, you must be licensed to legally perform plumbing work of any kind. The state licenses every level of this workforce including apprentices, plumbers, and contractors.
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) issues plumbing licenses for apprentices, plumbers, and retired plumbers. Plumbing contractors and irrigation contractors must also register with the state.
In addition, plumbers must follow local requirements. For instance, Chicago requires plumbing apprentices, journeyman plumbers, and contractors to hold a license from the City of Chicago Department of Buildings.
Types of Plumbing Licenses in Illinois
What are the different types of plumber licenses in Illinois? There are five types of state-issued plumbing licenses or registration.
Apprentice Plumber’s License — An apprentice is a person learning and performing plumbing under the supervision of a sponsor or agent.
Plumber’s License — A licensed plumber plans, inspects, installs, alters, extends, repairs, and maintains plumbing systems.
Plumbing Contractor Registration — Plumbing contractors are licensed plumbers or apprentice plumbers who perform work for another person.
Irrigation Contractor Registration — Irrigation contractors install or supervise the installation of lawn sprinkler systems.
Retired Plumber License — Retired plumbers are those who wish to retire but want to carry a state license proving competence in case they choose to reinstate or restore their plumbing license at a substantially lower cost. Retired plumbers cannot sponsor or supervise apprentice plumbers or inspect plumbing.
In addition, local jurisdictions may also have plumbing license requirements. The City of Chicago issues apprentice plumber, plumber journeyman, and plumbing contractor licenses. It also issues drain layer contractor and stationary engineer licenses for the operation of boilers and steam engines.
Each state license or registration has specific requirements.
LICENSE REQUIREMENTS:
Be at least 16 years old.
Submit your Social Security Number.
Complete an Apprentice Plumber’s License Application with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Show proof of sponsorship by an Illinois licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program.
Submit a 1-inch-by-1-inch color identification photo.
Pay the $100 application fee.
Be at least 18 years old.
Completed at least two years of high school or equivalent.
Complete a minimum of four years or up to six years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber. Illinois requires a minimum of 1,400 hours each year, for a total of 5,600 hours.
If your apprenticeship combines training and education, you can complete two years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber and two years of approved courses in plumbing through a college, university, or trade school to meet the 5,600-hour requirement.
Complete a Plumber’s License examination application.
Pay the $175 application fee.
Once you pass your examination, you receive your plumber’s license.
Plumbing Contractor Registration
Be at least 18 years old.
Submit your Federal Employer Identification Number or Social Security Number.
Show a valid plumbing license for the Licensed Plumber of Record. This individual must be the sole owner, partner, manager/member, or officer. This person may not be the Licensed Plumber of Record for more than one company at one time.
New limited liability companies and corporations must provide a copy of the Article of Organization or Articles of Incorporation from the Illinois Secretary of State.
Obtain $100,000 general liability insurance with $300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage coverage per occurrence.
If you have employees, show $500,000 workers’ compensation insurance coverage on your Certificate of Insurance. If you don’t have employees, you may submit an Affidavit of No Employees and Opt-Out form.
Submit a $20,000 surety/indemnification bond or a letter of credit in the same amount.
Pay the $150 annual registration fee.
Irrigation Contractor Registration
Be at least 18 years old.
Submit your Social Security Number.
Submit a child support certification form.
Submit copies of both the plumber’s licenses and licensed plumbing contractor registrations for all plumbers.
Pay the annual registration fee based on the number of plumbers per employee.
One plumber for 0-7 employees: $400
Two plumbers for 8-12 employees: $600
Three plumbers for 13-20 employees: $900
Four plumbers for 21-28 employees: $1,200
Five plumbers for 29-35 employees: $1,500
Six plumbers for 36 or more employees: $1,500
Be at least 62 years old or physically unable to perform the responsibilities of a licensed plumber.
Hold an active Illinois plumbing license.
Voluntarily surrender your current Illinois plumbing license.
Pay the $25 annual fee.
Steps to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Illinois
Be at least 16 years of age.
Finish at least two years of high school or equivalent.
Register for a plumbing apprenticeship sponsored by an Illinois licensed plumber or an approved apprenticeship program.
Complete an apprentice plumber’s application with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Complete your four-year (5,600 hours) apprenticeship. You can work a minimum of four years as an Illinois licensed apprentice plumber with at least 1,400 hours each year. Or, you can work two years as a licensed apprentice plumber and complete two years of approved plumbing course instruction.
Complete a Plumber’s License examination application with the IDPH.
Once you take and pass your examination, apply for your Illinois Plumber’s License.
Once you receive your plumber’s license, you may register as a Plumbing Contractor. First start a business and register your business with the Illinois Secretary of State.
Obtain $100,000 general liability insurance with $300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage coverage
If you have employees, obtain $500,000 workers’ compensation insurance coverage.
Obtain a $20,000 surety/indemnification bond or a letter of credit in the same amount.
Submit a plumbing contractor registration application with the IDPH and pay the registration fee.
Receive contractor registration.
Benefits of Getting a Plumbing Contractors License in Illinois
There are many benefits to obtaining your Illinois plumbing license:
Most importantly, Illinois requires plumbers to hold a state license to legally perform any plumbing work.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
Only licensed plumbing contractors can operate a business and advertise services, obtain commercial insurance, pull building permits and pass inspections, and bid on public and government projects.
Having a license protects your company and customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market and increases your earning potential as you acquire more experience.
What Is the Mean Salary for a Plumber in Illinois?
The annual mean wage for a plumber in Illinois is $89,180, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. However, that salary increases, as you might expect, as you acquire more experience. A plumbing salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median plumber salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.65% for entry-level workers, and 3.55% for both intermediate and senior level plumbers. In Illinois those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $55,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $71,400
Senior (4-7 years): $77,400
Salaries vary widely depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a plumbing technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one plumbing software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive up the average ticket.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Plumbing Contractor License in Illinois?
The cost to get started as an apprentice in Illinois is fairly low. As an apprentice, you’ll pay an annual $100 license fee.
Apprenticeship program costs vary depending on the program you choose. Program fees cover course instruction, textbooks, and materials. Your employer or union typically will absorb these costs.
Other licenses have higher fees. It costs $175 to apply for a plumber’s examination. Plumbing contractor registration costs $150 and plumbing irrigation contractor registration costs between $400 to $1,500 depending on the number of employees.
Renewal fees are $100 for a Plumber’s Apprentice License, $150 for a Plumber’s License, and $150 for Plumbing Contractor Registration. Licenses must be renewed annually.
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How to Get a Plumbing License in Illinois
Becoming a plumbing professional in Illinois isn’t fast, but is straightforward.
APPRENTICESHIP/WORK EXPERIENCE: You will need to be at least 16 years old and complete at least two years of high school to become a plumber’s apprentice. Many apprenticeship programs require you to be at least 18 years old with a high school diploma or GED certificate. Register for a plumbing apprenticeship sponsored by an Illinois licensed plumber or an approved apprenticeship program to gain the required hands-on experience. You can also take approved course instruction through a college, university, or trade school. Complete the Apprentice Plumber’s License application or the Apprentice Plumber’s License application under the Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) with the Illinois Department of Public Health.
TAKE LICENSING EXAM: Once you’ve completed your four- to six-year apprenticeship, apply for the Plumber’s License examination at least 30 days before the exam date. Cost is $175. The IDPH supplies applicants with exam information. Once you’ve passed the plumbing license exam, you will receive your Plumber’s License.
CONTRACTOR REQUIREMENTS: If you hold a Plumber’s License and want to advance your plumbing career and become a contractor, you’ll follow additional steps. You will need to form a new business and obtain required insurance. This includes $100,000 general liability insurance with $300,000 bodily injury and $50,000 property damage coverage per occurrence. If you have employees, obtain $500,000 workers’ compensation insurance coverage. You will also need to submit a $20,000 surety/indemnification bond or a letter of credit. Submit a Plumbing Contractor Registration application and pay the $150 annual registration fee to register.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Plumbing Contractors License in Illinois?
It will take a minimum of four years to complete a plumbing apprenticeship in Illinois. Once you’ve been employed as a licensed apprentice plumber for four to six years (48 to 72 months) and complete approved instruction, you can apply for the Plumber’s License examination with the IDPH.
The great news is that as an apprentice you earn a wage from the very beginning and compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you are a licensed plumber. Your salary increases again when you become a plumbing contractor. As a contractor you can be your own boss and grow your business as much as you want. The sky’s the limit!
Illinois Plumber Training Programs and Schools
Plumbers are responsible for more than just fixing leaks or clogs. They design, install, and renovate systems that carry liquids or gasses. In addition to mechanics, they must know and follow plumbing code.
Since the state of Illinois requires plumbing professionals to begin their career journey as an apprentice, you may not choose to get a postsecondary degree. The state permits apprentices to work four years as a licensed plumbing apprentice, or work two years as a licensed apprentice and complete two years of approved instruction at a college, university, or trade school.
If you want to attend a pre-apprenticeship program, Illinois Works provides training for students to transition into a Department of Labor registered apprentice. This includes trades skill programs at Danville Area Community College and Richland Community College. Several opportunities exist throughout the state to obtain the required apprenticeship experience.
Apprenticeship
Those listed on job search sites such as Glassdoor, Indeed, SimplyHired, and ZipRecruiter
Program Prerequisites: For apprenticeship plumbing programs, you need to be at least 16 years old, although many apprenticeship programs require you to be 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED certificate.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about plumbing school options, check out our Ultimate Guide to Plumbing Schools in Illinois.
Illinois Plumbing Contractor Licensing Exam Details
Licensed plumbing apprentices who have completed their apprenticeship may submit a Plumber’s License application for examination. Exam application cost is $175. The IDPH provides approved applicants with detailed exam information.
The IDPH plumber’s exam tests applicants’ knowledge and qualifications in plumbing system planning and design; knowledge, qualifications, and practical plumbing skills; and their knowledge of the Illinois Plumbing Code.
The exam consists of three parts:
Knowledge assessment based on the Illinois Plumbing Code.
Construction drawings or plans: Examinees must interpret construction drawings or plans on paper or electronically. They must complete construction drawings or plans or sufficiently answer the questions to demonstrate knowledge of plumbing fixtures, piping techniques, and code compliance.
Practical application assessment: Examinees complete projects using current plumbing techniques and materials selected from Appendix A, Table A of the Illinois Plumbing Code. The examinee receives a drawing and instructions before assembling and completing the project.
Those who failed to achieve an average grade of 75 or above on the examination and 61 or above on each part of the examination may retake the exam. To retake the exam, complete the Plumber’s License Examination Retake Form and pay the $175 re-examination fee.
Who Issues Plumbing Contractors Licenses in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Public Health issues licenses for apprentice plumbers, plumbers, and retired plumbers. They also issue plumbing and irrigation contractor registrations. IDPH has headquarters in Springfield and Chicago. Visit the IDPH contact page for a list of contact information.
Does My Illinois Plumbing Contractors License Work in Any Other State?
No. Illinois does not have reciprocity agreements with other states.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Plumbing License in Illinois?
Although Illinois does not have formal reciprocity agreements for plumbing licenses with other states, if you hold an active City of Chicago plumbing license you may be able to obtain a state license without taking the examination. To be eligible, you must have completed a four-year licensed apprenticeship.
Those who hold a Chicago plumbing license and wish to apply for a state plumbing license must complete an application for reciprocity and submit supporting documentation.
Plumbing Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. National Inspection Testing and Certification (NITC), International Association of Plumbing and Mechanical Officials (ASSE Certifications) and other professional certifications are not required but may make you a more attractive hire to prospective employers or can increase your marketability to customers.
Other Requirements Unique to Illinois
Plumbing requirements for the state may be found in the Illinois Plumbing License Law and Plumbers Licensing Code. Other plumbing-related laws include the Plumbing Contractor Registration Code and the Lawn Irrigation Contractor and Lawn Sprinkler System Registration Code.
The plumbing licensing law states businesses and individuals offering plumbing services must display the plumbing license of at least one of the members at their business, and maintain a register listing all the names and license numbers of licensed plumbers and licensed apprentice plumbers employed by the business.
Are There Plumbing Scholarships in Illinois?
Yes, there are several plumbing or trade school scholarships in Illinois. They include:
Be sure to check with your high school or community organizations for local scholarships that help students begin their career in the plumbing trade.
How Can Someone Verify My Plumbing License in Illinois?
Potential clients or employees may verify your Illinois plumbing license by using IDPH’s plumber license verification page. Search active plumbing licenses by:
Last name
Business name
License number
Street
City
State
County
When Can a Plumbing License Be Suspended in Illinois?
A suspended plumber’s license means the plumber is temporarily prohibited from legally practicing their trade. In Illinois, a plumbing license can be suspended for many reasons, including:
Misrepresenting facts to obtain a license.
Willfully violating law, regulation, or code.
Negligence or incompetence.
Loaning or transferring a license to another.
Failing to properly supervise an apprentice plumber.
Failing to maintain a valid license.
Those who fail to follow the law relating to plumbing service advertising, such as not displaying the correct number or sharing license numbers, may face license suspension or revocation. They also may be found guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and face a $1,000 fine.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For specific information about state plumbing license regulations, refer to Illinois Plumbing Licensing Law.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Plumbing Work in Illinois?
Performing plumbing work in Illinois without a license is illegal. Those who work as a plumber or plumbing contractor without licensure or contractor registration will pay a civil penalty of up to $5,000 for each offense, according to state law. They also may face other additional penalties.
Those who work as an unlicensed irrigation contractor will pay a civil penalty of $1,000 if no plumbing code violations are found and will be referred to the State’s Attorney General’s Office for prosecution. Working as an unlicensed irrigation contractor with plumbing code violations or subsequent offenses carry heftier civil penalties.
Continuing Education
Illinois licensed plumbers must complete four hours of continuing education annually before renewing their license. Plumbers must complete continuing education requirements from IDPH-approved course sponsors, such as:
Plumber licenses must be renewed each year by April 30. Plumbing contractor registrations expire annually on Sept. 30. Irrigation contractor registrations expire annually on Feb. 28.
Applicants must certify whether they are delinquent in the payment of child support. Apprentice plumbers, plumbers, and retired plumbers renew at this online portal. Plumbing contractors renewing their registration use a separate online portal.
License renewal costs are as follows:
Apprentice Plumber License: $100
Plumber License: $150
Plumbing Contractor Registration: $150
Irrigation Contractor Registration: $400-$1,500 (based on the number of employees)
Retired Plumber License: $25
Resources
You can stay up to date on all plumbing industry news in several ways:
Check top plumbing blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends.
Listen to top plumbing podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
