Is Becoming a Plumbers Worth It in Illinois? ROI Analysis

Becoming a plumbers in Illinois through an apprenticeship costs $0 in tuition. Apprentices earn approximately $356,902 during their 4-5 years of training. This is the most common and recommended path.

The median annual salary for plumberss in Illinois is $96,200 ($46.25/hr). Salaries range from $47,880 (10th percentile) to $123,290 (90th percentile) based on experience and specialization.

Financially, plumberss in Illinois earn $2,965,939 in cumulative earnings over 25 years, compared to $1,359,148 for the average college graduate. The trade path has a 0-year head start on earning income and $37,088 less in student debt. However, the right choice depends on your interests, career goals, and personal situation.

With an apprenticeship, there's no cost to pay back — you earn while you learn. This makes the plumbers career path one of the best financial investments available.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects +2% employment growth for plumberss over the next decade (As fast as average). There are approximately 48,600 annual job openings nationwide.