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4 schools in Illinois offer plumbing-related programs, compared below on official cost, completion, and earnings data. Prefer to earn while you learn? 48 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Illinois train plumbing apprentices — see apprenticeships.
Illinois licenses plumbers at the state level through the Illinois Department of Public Health — all plumbing work must be done by a licensed plumber or a licensed apprentice working under one. Apprentices (16+) must be sponsored by a licensed plumber or an approved apprenticeship program, and after a minimum of 4 years (within a 6-year apprenticeship window) can sit for the state exam. Chicago plumbers are licensed by the city, with a reciprocity process to work under state jurisdiction elsewhere in Illinois.
Official source: Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), Plumbing Program · Exam: IDPH Illinois plumber's licensing examination (written and practical) · Typical requirement: Apprentice license first (age 16+, sponsored by an Illinois-licensed plumber or approved apprenticeship program; apprenticeship capped at 6 years). Plumber's license: minimum 4 years as a licensed apprentice, at least 2 years of high school (or equivalent) plus approved course instruction, then the state exam ($175 application fee).
| School | City | Type | Net price / yr | Completion | Earnings (10 yr) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lewis and Clark Community College | Godfrey | public | $3,349 | 50% | $37,724 |
| Triton College | River Grove | public | $4,138 | 18.5% | $41,728 |
| Parkland College | Champaign | public | $8,048 | 29.5% | $38,320 |
| City Colleges of Chicago-Kennedy-King College | Chicago | public | $9,494 | 27.4% | $28,467 |
Ranking = median earnings 10 years after entry per $1,000 of average yearly net price (methodology). Schools without both figures sort last — "not reported" means the federal dataset lacks the value, not that the school is bad.
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