Plumber & Pipefitter Apprenticeship in Illinois

Plumber & Pipefitters in Illinois earn a median of $96,200/yr — 100% above the national all-occupation median of $48,060. That puts this apprenticeship path well into upper-middle-income territory for the state.

Illinois Plumber & Pipefitters earn $96,200/yr — a 53% premium over the $62,970 national median for the trade. Strong union presence or high demand likely drives the spread.

Looking ahead to 2034, Plumber & Pipefitter employment should expand by 4.5%. That translates to roughly 44,000 openings annually when you factor in retirements — enough to absorb most apprenticeship completers.

Illinois employs 18,730 Plumber & Pipefitters, accounting for 3.8% of the national workforce — a mid-sized market with enough employer density to support active apprenticeship placement.

Becoming a Plumber & Pipefitter through apprenticeship takes roughly 4 years — 8,000 hours split between on-the-job training and classroom study covering mechanical systems, refrigerant handling, and equipment diagnostics. Wages start at a fraction of journeyman rate and increase on a set schedule.

The apprenticeship infrastructure in Illinois is extensive: 959 registered sponsors operate across the state. Union halls, contractors, and joint apprenticeship committees all accept applications.

The 10th-to-90th percentile gap for Plumber & Pipefitters in Illinois ($47,880 to $123,290) covers $75,410. Moving up that curve comes from years on the job, foreman promotions, and contractor relationships.