Like most trades, there is an insatiable demand for licensed plumbers. There are numerous benefits, and it can be a very lucrative career in Illinois.
Becoming a Plumber – the Benefits
- Great compensation. In Illinois, plumbers can make between $60,000 to $120,000 a year. This, of course, varies based upon experience and local market demand. In addition, companies like Ravinia Plumbing also offer great benefits such as health insurance, a retirement plan, etc.
- Job security. It is estimated that the demand for plumbers in Illinois will grow by 16% in the coming years. Additionally, many plumbers are nearing retirement age, increasing the demand.
- Low cost of entry. The education and training needed to become a professional plumber is significantly less than receiving a four-year college degree, not to mention a postgraduate degree. Additionally, while you are learning, you can also earn money through a plumbing apprenticeship.
- Never bored. One day you may be installing a new water heater. The next day you’re repairing burst pipes and the next outfitting a new kitchen with faucets and fixtures.
- You’re helping people. You are doing more than making their life easier. You’re making sure their water is clean; you’re also making sure their homes don’t flood, and so much more.
- Respect. Because you are helping people, and they know it takes a special skill to do what you do, you will be respected.
- Immediate gratification. You see the results of your work right away, whether it is a new installation or a repair.
- No more plumbing bills. Those projects you used to pay a plumber to do? You can do them yourself.
A final benefit to choosing plumbing as a career path is that you can become a licensed plumbing contractor, either working for someone else or hanging out your own shingle. If you do that, you can be your own boss working when you want and choosing the jobs you want, whether it be commercial or residential plumbing.
Becoming a Licensed Plumber in Illinois
Becoming a licensed plumber in Illinois is quite easy.
- Complete at least two years of high school or equivalent. You don’t need a high school diploma or GED.
- Be a U.S. citizen or be in the process of becoming a citizen.
- Enroll in vocational training through a union or trade school. This will prepare you to take the exam to become a licensed plumber.
- Get an apprenticeship that will provide you with on-the-job training. This will take four to six years, but you will be earning a salary along the way. To be an apprentice, you must be at least 16 years old and be sponsored by an Illinois licensed plumber (such as Ravinia Plumbing) or by an approved apprenticeship program.
- In Illinois, before becoming a licensed plumber, you must pass a journeyman license program.
- Once you have done all that, you are ready to take the test to become a licensed plumber. To apply for a plumbing license, fill out the application from the Illinois Department of Public Health at least 30 days before taking the test. You will need to pay the fee of $175 ($225 if being licensed in Chicago).
- The test consists of a written portion as well as a practical portion. Many people fail the test initially. You have a total of seven years to pass the test without starting over from the beginning.
Ravinia Plumbing, Sewer, Heating & Electric is Looking for Plumbers
If you are looking for an outstanding career as a plumber, Ravinia Plumbing wants to talk with you. We offer opportunities for both apprenticeship and licensed plumbers. We’ve been in business since 1928, and we’ve made a name for ourselves as one of the most trusted and reliable plumbing companies in Chicagoland.
