Trade Careers in Illinois
Updated August 4, 2025 | Brad Fishbein
Illinois' skilled trades remain in high demand-from union electricians in Chicago to HVAC installers in Springfield. With ongoing infrastructure projects and aging buildings, the need for trade talent is growing across the state.
If you're after hands‑on work, solid pay, and a respected career path without a four‑year degree, this guide will help you get started.
🏙️ Why Trade Careers Are Thriving in Illinois
| Benefit | Details |
|---|---|
| Urban & Suburban Demand | Aging infrastructure and renovations in Chicago, suburbs, and downstate |
| Weather Impacts | Cold winters and hot summers drive HVAC, plumbing, and electrical work |
| Infrastructure Projects | Transportation and utility upgrades increase demand for skilled trade workers |
| Apprentice Incentives | Employer tax credits for supporting apprenticeships1 |
“Skilled trades in Illinois offer strong wages and apprenticeship incentives that appeal to both workers and employers.” - U.S. Department of Labor1
⚖️ Compare Skilled Trades in Illinois
| Trade | Median Salary (USA)2 | Training Time | License Required? | Learn More |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $62,350 (May 2024) | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Electrician Guide |
| HVAC Technician | $59,810 (May 2024) | 6-24 months | ✅ Often | HVAC Guide |
| Plumber | $62,970 (May 2024) | 4-5 years | ✅ Yes | Plumber Guide |
| Welder | ~ $48K‑$53K | 6-18 months | ❌ Optional (certs) | Welder Guide |
| Solar Installer | ~$47K | 3-12 months | ❌ Optional | Solar Guide |
| Carpenter | ~$46K‑$58K | 6-24 months | ❌ No | Carpenter Guide |
| Mold Inspector | ~$50K‑$55K | 1-6 months | ❌ No (cert optional) | Mold Guide |
(Median salaries are national figures; regional pay in Illinois tends to align with or exceed these levels.)
🧰 Illinois Apprenticeships & Training
Illinois has more than 94 registered apprenticeship programs in construction trades-with 15,124 apprentices in 2024 alone3 and around 16,000 reported in earlier data4.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3-5 years | Paid, structured OJT with union and non‑union options |
| Technical College | 6-24 months | Programs in HVAC, welding, electrical, and HVAC |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Employer-provided training in solar, carpentry, plumbing |
“Illinois reported 15,124 apprentices across construction trades in 2024.” - Illinois DOL report3
🏫 Trade Schools in Illinois
Public technical colleges and private trade schools across Illinois-including in Chicago, Springfield, and Peoria-offer accelerated, affordable training for in‑demand trades.
🎓 Tip: Public schools often participate in state grant programs such as Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) and state workforce board funding.
🏛️ Illinois Licensing Agencies
| Trade | Licensing Agency |
|---|---|
| Electrician | Illinois Department of Financial & Professional Regulation (IDFPR) Electrical Division |
| Plumber | IDFPR Plumbing & Piping Division |
| HVAC Technician | IDFPR Refrigeration Mechanics License board |
| Solar Installer | May require electrical contractor license depending on scope |
| Mold Inspector | No state license required (optional national certifications recommended) |
📈 Illinois Trade Career Outlook
Based on May 2024 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics figures:
- Electricians: Median $62,350; projected growth ~11% through 2033-much faster than average5.
- HVAC Technicians: Median $59,810; projected growth ~9% through 20334.
- Plumbers/Pipefitters: Median $62,970; projected growth ~6% through 20332.
Growth in solar and infrastructure jobs may raise demand further.
✅ Ready to Start a Trade Career in Illinois?
Choose a trade, explore local apprenticeships or trade colleges, and begin training now. Illinois continues to expand its skilled workforce-with incentives for employers and pathways for new talent.
📚 Citations
-
U.S. Department of Labor - Illinois apprenticeship tax credit & new grant awards to state in 2025 :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2} ↩ ↩
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U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics - Plumbers, Pipefitters & Steamfitters median wage and 6% growth forecast :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3} ↩ ↩
-
Illinois Dept. of Labor - 2024 Minority & Female Building Trades Annual Report (15,124 apprentices in 2024) :contentReference[oaicite:1]{index=1} ↩ ↩
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U.S. BLS - HVAC mechanics/installers median wage and 9% projected growth :contentReference[oaicite:4]{index=4} ↩ ↩
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U.S. BLS - Electricians median wage and 11% projected growth :contentReference[oaicite:5]{index=5} ↩
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Meet the author: Brad Fishbein is a Florida Licensed Mold Assessor and council-certified Microbial Investigator. He’s the founder of TradeCareerPath.com and has completed over 5,000 mold inspections since 2009. Brad now helps homeowners and tradespeople make smart decisions about mold, licensing, and skilled career paths.
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