10 Best Plumbing Schools in Chicago in 2024

Mid-night calls, sewage baths, and dark tunnels are all part of the plumbing trade, but the opportunity to earn a good living on your terms may outweigh the disadvantages. 

According to a 2019 Bureau of Labor Statistics report, plumbers earned a median annual salary of $55,160. 

People in big cities like Chicago can earn up to $76,500 annually. Plumbers who work for themselves can earn significantly more. 

Aside from a promising job outlook, the profession provides job security because plumbing is an essential requirement in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings.

Keep reading to find out the best plumbing schools in Chicago.

See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools In Virginia

Are there Plumbing Schools in Chicago?

There are few plumbing schools in Chicago. These plumbing schools in Chicago are:

  • Illinois Plumbing Consultants
  • City College of Chicago – Kennedy-King
  • UA Local 130
  • Building and Fire Code Academy
  • Gateway Technical College
  • Plumbing Code Consultants
  • UNITED ASSOCIATION Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 99

How Does One Become a Plumber in Chicago?

Getting your plumbing license is the first step in starting your plumbing career in Chicago. There are several ways to obtain your license, including trade school, apprenticeship, and self-study of plumbing laws and codes. 

If you want to get your Chicago diploma, you must first complete a GED.

Begin your plumbing education.

After completing your high school diploma or GED equivalent, you will need to pursue vocational training, also known as apprentice training. 

Your GED will serve as a foundation for the knowledge and practice you will gain during your apprenticeship. 

This apprenticeship will primarily focus on preparing you for the license examination. It will cover a wide range of topics that a professional must understand and be familiar with. 

The apprenticeship takes about four years to complete, but the good news is that apprentices can earn a salary.

What are the Best Plumbing Schools in Chicago?

Below are the best plumbing schools in Chicago:

#1 Illinois Plumbing Consultants

Through hands-on activities, Illinois Plumbing Consultants prepare students for the Illinois State Plumbing Exam. 

Expert educators and practicing plumbers in Chicago will combine classroom instruction with hands-on training to provide graduates with the confidence to pursue a career as a plumber. 

Troubleshooting and repair, residential water and waste system installation, natural gas piping and installation, and waste, sewer, and vent system installation will all be covered in training. 

Also, plumbing fundamentals, OSHA safety training, drafting and reading blueprints, state code, and applied mathematics, physics, and chemistry will all be covered in the classroom.

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#2 City College of Chicago – Kennedy-King

Kennedy-Plumbing King’s and Fire Protection certificate program prepares students for the Illinois State Plumbing Exam. 

Construction Safety, Basic Arc Welding, Basic Computer Technology, Introduction to Plumbing, Plumbing Tools and Equipment, Intro to Fire Protection, Plumbing Codes, Basic Plumbing Related Math, Home Plumbing System, and Vocational Physical Training I, II, and III will be covered in theory and practice. 

Graduates will be eligible for entry-level jobs as pipelayers, plumber’s aides, pipefitters, and steamfitters.

Program Overview:

Plumbing and Fire Protection – Basic Certificate

Duration: 1 semester

Credit Hours: 20

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See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Minnesota

#3 UA Local 130

The Joint Apprenticeship Committee (JAC) of Local 130 prepares adults for entry into the plumbing industry through classroom instruction and on-the-job training. 

Apprentices will learn to read plans and install and maintain underground water supply, stormwater, sewer drainage, fixtures, vent piping, and other plumbing systems in commercial and residential buildings. 

The first three years of training will consist of four days on the job and one day in the classroom, with the final two years requiring five days of on-the-job training in the daytime with some night school classes from September to June. 

The approved Apprenticeship Program graduates will be qualified to apply for an Illinois Journeyman license.

Program Overview:

Plumbing Apprenticeship Program

Duration: 5 years

Credit Hours: 20

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#4 Building and Fire Code Academy

The Building and Fire Code Academy’s Plumbing Apprenticeship Education (PAE) program prepares adults for the Illinois State Licensing Exam and their roles and responsibilities in their plumbing careers. 

State of Illinois Law, State of Illinois Plumbing Code, Practical Application of Codes and Standards, Blueprint Reading and Drawing, Construction Document Production and Permits, Hydrodynamic Theory, and First Aid and Safety Procedures will be covered in classroom lectures and on-the-job training. Industry Updates, Construction and Plumbing Mathematics and Geometry, Hands-on Shop Instruction and Practical Assembly Techniques, and Illinois Plumbing License Preparation are other topics covered. 

Two new apprentices are accepted each year. For 15 weeks each semester, students meet on Tuesday and Thursday nights from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

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See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Oklahoma

#5 Gateway Technical College

Gateway Technical College offers the best apprenticeship and training programs in the state. You will receive the best technical education in Chicago and numerous career opportunities with them. 

The labs, classes, and campus are all very modern, and you will feel welcomed and cared for once you arrive.

The plumbing program has 8000 hours of hands-on training, classes, training hours, and labs. This apprenticeship program is ideal for a prosperous career.

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#6 Plumbing Code Consultants

This school offers 4-hour continuing education classes for Illinois plumbers at Plumbing Code Consultants. 

You can view their class schedules from their website and register by clicking one of the classes (limited spots available per class). If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact them.

These aren’t your typical continuing education classes. Bring your book and any code questions you have (try to stump the inspector!) and prepare for an interactive day of learning. 

Snacks and beverages are provided. Seats are limited to maintain proper social distance.

Please don’t leave it until the last minute to complete your Continuing Education hours.

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See Also: 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Arkansas

#7 UNITED ASSOCIATION Plumbers & Pipefitters Local 99

Whether you want to improve your plumbing, pipefitting, HVAC, and welding skills or start a new, lucrative career, UA Local 99 can help. 

The union training courses and apprenticeship programs in Bloomington, Illinois, teach you the science behind these industries. 

You will learn how to work efficiently, installation skills, and all the latest technology in the field. 

Whether you work in commercial, residential, or industrial settings, you will learn the skills necessary to complete the job correctly.

The training center and referral hall are staffed by highly trained individuals committed to imparting knowledge promptly and cost-effectively. 

The skills are constantly updated to reflect the rapid technological changes in these industries, so you can be confident that these trainers will provide you with the best values and information available.

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Also Read- 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Georgia

How Long are Plumbing Schools in Chicago?

Plumbers receive their training through an apprenticeship rather than a trade school education followed by an internship. 

An apprenticeship combines on-the-job training alongside a skilled plumber with classroom instruction on using tools and performing plumbing tasks. 

Plumbers will typically attend plumbing school or complete a series of certification programs to obtain the necessary qualifications to take the plumbing licensure exam. For most plumbers, the apprenticeship training process takes four to five years.

Before beginning their apprenticeship, some aspiring plumbers attend plumbing trade schools in Chicago, Illinois. 

Many schools provide certification programs to teach plumbers the fundamental skills they will need during their apprenticeship. These programs typically take a year to complete.

See Also- 15 Best Plumbing Schools in Utah

How Much are Plumbing Schools in Chicago?

As with any educational program, you must plan to budget for your training requirements ahead of time. You can pay by semester or year, with the following costs:

Each semester costs $700 and $1,300 annually.

The courses cost at least $100 less than comparable courses at other Chicago-area technical and community colleges.

In addition to tuition, you must purchase a copy of the Illinois Plumbing Code, which currently costs $40. 

It’s also critical that you have all of the tools you’ll need to finish your plumbing apprenticeship program. Invest in quality tools now because you will need them throughout your career.

How Much Do Plumbers Make in Chicago?

The average annual salary for a Plumber in Chicago is $50,970 as of September 7, 2022. A quick salary calculator works out to about $24.51 per hour if you need a quick salary calculator. This equates to $980 per week or $4,247 per month.

While ZipRecruiter reports salaries ranging from $87,894 to $25,700, the majority of Plumber salaries in Chicago currently range from $43,175 (25th percentile) to $62,707 (75th percentile), with top earners (90th percentile) earning $75,557 per year.

The average pay range for a Plumber varies greatly (up to $19,532), implying that there may be numerous opportunities for advancement and increased pay based on skill level, location, and years of experience.

According to recent job postings, the Plumber job market in Chicago, IL, and the surrounding area is thriving.

Conclusion

Becoming a plumber may be your career path if you enjoy working with pipes.

If you want to learn more about the licensing requirements in Chicago, read this article.

Before getting your license, you must complete a training program and pass an exam.

As a plumber, you will install water systems, repair them as needed, and keep them in good working order.

Plumbing is a skilled trade that necessitates extensive knowledge of the subject. Working for a large corporation or starting a business can lead to a rewarding plumbing career. 

This guide will teach you everything you need to know to obtain your Chicago plumbing license.

I hope this article will be of help to you.

FAQs

How do I get my plumbing license in Chicago, Illinois?

You must be at least 16 years old, finish the Apprentice Plumbers License Application, and show proof of sponsorship by an Illinois-licensed plumber.

How do I become a plumbing inspector in Chicago, Illinois?

To be eligible for certification as a plumbing inspector, an applicant must meet the following requirements: 

1) Be currently licensed as a plumber by the Department. An apprentice or retired plumber’s license cannot satisfy this requirement. 
2) Have held a plumbing license in Illinois for at least seven years.

Can plumbers in Chicago have to have insurance?

Yes. As a plumbing contractor, you must ensure adequate public liability insurance to cover you if you cause damage or injury while performing your work.

How much do plumbers make an hour in Chicago, Illinois?

In Chicago, Illinois, the average hourly wage for a plumber is $29.20, with an annual bonus of $6,750.

Is plumbing a promising career in Chicago?

Plumber employment is expected to grow by more than 14 percent by 2028, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and job opportunities are expected to be plentiful. That means plumbers are scarce and in high demand.

Reference

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