Trade Careers in Illinois
Quick answer: In Illinois, elevator mechanics earn a median of $133,690 and electricians $99,560 (BLS, May 2025), making them among the state’s top-paying trades. Most trades are entered through a registered apprenticeship or a trade-school program rather than a four-year degree. Licensing is handled by the state agencies listed below, mainly the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation.
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 | Training Time | License Required? |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $79,000 | 6 months – 4 years (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Construction Worker | $60,690 | 3–12 months (apprenticeship or on-the-job) | Varies (OSHA 10/30; state contractor license for supervisors) |
| Flooring Installer | $69,880 | 6–12 months (on-the-job + coursework) | Optional (apprenticeship recommended) |
| Plumber | $99,950 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| Welder | $51,320 | 6–18 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (AWS certification preferred) |
| Construction Manager | $109,160 | 2–4 years (degree or field experience) | Varies (contractor license in many states) |
| Home Inspector | $78,340 | 2–6 months (state-approved course) | Yes in many states (state license) |
| Mold Inspector | N/A | 3–12 months (coursework + field hours) | Varies (state license or industry certification) |
| Electrician | $99,560 | 4–5 years (apprenticeship) | Yes (state licensing) |
| HVAC Technician | $77,410 | 6 months – 2 years (certificate or associate) | Yes (EPA 608 and state licensing) |
| Lineworker | $108,120 | 3–4 years (joint apprenticeship) | Yes (apprenticeship + utility certifications) |
| Solar Installer | $59,630 | 3–12 months (bootcamp or apprenticeship) | Optional (NABCEP certification beneficial) |
| Tower Technician | $61,110 | 3–9 months (tower climbing school + field training) | Yes (OSHA/NRF safety + CPR certifications) |
| Wind Turbine Technician | N/A | 1–2 years (associate or technical diploma) | Yes (industry safety certifications) |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | $81,680 | 18–30 months (Part 147 school or apprenticeship) | Yes (FAA A&P license) |
| Auto Mechanic | $49,170 | 6–12 months (trade school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| Automotive Technician | $49,170 | 9–18 months (advanced diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE certifications preferred) |
| CNC Machinist | $58,520 | 9–24 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NIMS certification beneficial) |
| Diesel Technician | $64,340 | 1–2 years (associate or apprenticeship) | Optional (ASE or OEM certifications) |
| Gunsmith | $51,350 | 6–18 months (certificate or apprenticeship) | Optional (NRA/NSTC credentials beneficial) |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $97,740 | 6–12 months (trade school or union program) | Optional (CDL required for many roles) |
| Maintenance Technician | $56,720 | 6–12 months (trade school or on-the-job) | Optional (CMRT or OEM certifications) |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | $60,320 | 3–6 months (CDL program) | Yes (CDL Class A or B) |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | $45,960 | 4–12 weeks (state-approved program) | Yes (state CNA exam) |
| Patient Care Technician | $45,960 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (CNA license + PCT certification in many hospitals) |
| Hemodialysis Technician | $49,930 | 4–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes (state certification or BONENT/CCHT credential) |
| Home Health Aide | $38,060 | 3–6 months (training + competency exam) | Yes in many states (state-approved HHA program) |
| Medical Assistant | $46,090 | 9–12 months (certificate or diploma) | Optional (CMA, RMA, or CCMA) |
| Mental Health Technician | $46,200 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical experience) | Varies (state registration + employer training) |
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | $75,000 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | $75,000 | 12–18 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state license via NCLEX-PN) |
| Dental Assistant | $48,610 | 9–18 months (diploma or associate program) | Varies (CDA, RDA, or state license) |
| EKG Technician | $61,870 | 3–9 months (certificate program) | Optional (CET, CCT, or AMCA) |
| Pharmacy Technician | $46,650 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Varies (state license or PTCB/ExCPT) |
| Phlebotomy Technician | $46,010 | 4–6 months (certificate + clinical practice) | Yes in many states (national certification preferred) |
| Radiologic Technologist | $79,930 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (ARRT registration + state license) |
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | $100,660 | 18–24 months (accredited associate or certificate) | Yes (ARDMS/CCI credential; state license in some areas) |
| Sterile Processing Technician | $48,050 | 6–12 months (certificate + clinical hours) | Yes in many states (CRCST or CBSPD certification) |
| Surgical Technologist | $64,650 | 12–24 months (accredited surgical tech program) | Yes in many states (NBSTSA or NCCT certification) |
| Optician | $43,960 | 9–24 months (apprenticeship or associate) | Yes in many states (state license or ABO-NCLE) |
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | $56,440 | 9–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CPC, CCA, or CBCS) |
| Medical Office Administrator | $46,670 | 9–18 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (CMAA or CEHRS certification) |
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | $64,120 | 2 years (accredited associate degree) | Yes (state license via NBCOT exam) |
| Physical Therapy Aide | $36,650 | 3–12 months (certificate or employer training) | Optional (on-the-job + certificate programs) |
| Massage Therapist | $60,490 | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state license) |
| Personal Trainer | $46,800 | 3–6 months (exam prep + practicum) | Yes (national certification required by many employers) |
| Dog Trainer | $45,830 | 6–12 months (mentorship or certificate) | Optional (industry certifications preferred) |
| Veterinary Assistant | $37,480 | 6–12 months (certificate + hands-on experience) | Optional (AVMA-approved assistant credential) |
| Veterinary Technician | $46,440 | 2 years (associate degree) | Yes (VTNE and state license) |
| Beauty Professional | $34,040 | 9–15 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Cosmetologist | $34,040 | 9–18 months (state-approved school) | Yes (state cosmetology license) |
| Esthetician | $45,330 | 4–9 months (state-approved program) | Yes (state esthetics license) |
| Culinary Chef | $39,861 | 1–2 years (culinary school or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe + local food handler permit) |
| Pastry Chef | $39,861 | 9–18 months (baking & pastry diploma or apprenticeship) | Optional (ServSafe; ACF certification boosts prospects) |
| Bookkeeper | $49,560 | 6–12 months (certificate or on-the-job) | Optional (CB or CPB certification beneficial) |
| Digital Court Reporter | $75,890 | 6–12 months (certificate program) | Optional (AAERT certification preferred) |
| Paralegal | $63,670 | 12–24 months (certificate or associate) | Optional (ABA-approved certificate beneficial) |
Source: BLS OEWS, May 2025. State data (Illinois).
Illinois Apprenticeships and Training
Illinois has more than 94 registered apprenticeship programs in construction trades, with 15,124 apprentices in 2024 alone2 and around 16,000 reported in earlier data3.
| Training Type | Duration | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Apprenticeship | 3 to 5 years | Paid, structured OJT with union and non-union options |
| Technical College | 6 to 24 months | Programs in HVAC, welding, and electrical work |
| On-the-Job Training | Varies | Employer-provided training in solar, carpentry, plumbing |
“Illinois reported 15,124 apprentices across construction trades in 2024.” Illinois DOL report2
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.
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
Building & Construction Trades
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Plumber | 4.5% |
| Carpenter | 4.5% |
| Flooring Installer | 9.5% |
| Construction Worker | 7.3% |
| Welder | 2.2% |
Construction Management & Inspection
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Construction Manager | 8.7% |
| Home Inspector | -0.8% |
Electrical & Energy Systems
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Lineworker | 6.6% |
| Electrician | 9.5% |
| HVAC Technician | 8.1% |
| Wind Turbine Technician | 49.9% |
| Tower Technician | 8.6% |
| Solar Installer | 42.1% |
Mechanical, Automotive & Transportation
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Heavy Equipment Operator | 3.6% |
| Aircraft Mechanic (A&P) | 4.0% |
| Diesel Technician | 2.4% |
| Truck Driver (CDL) | 4.0% |
| CNC Machinist | 0.0% |
| Maintenance Technician | 3.8% |
| Gunsmith | 2.0% |
| Auto Mechanic | 4.2% |
| Automotive Technician | 4.2% |
Healthcare: Nursing & Patient Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) | 2.6% |
| Licensed Vocational Nurse (LVN) | 2.6% |
| Hemodialysis Technician | 5.2% |
| Mental Health Technician | 20.0% |
| Medical Assistant | 12.5% |
| Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) | 2.3% |
| Patient Care Technician | 2.3% |
| Home Health Aide | 17.0% |
Healthcare: Allied Health & Diagnostics
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Diagnostic Medical Sonographer | 13.0% |
| Radiologic Technologist | 4.3% |
| Surgical Technologist | 4.5% |
| EKG Technician | 3.0% |
| Dental Assistant | 6.4% |
| Sterile Processing Technician | 10.0% |
| Pharmacy Technician | 6.4% |
| Phlebotomy Technician | 5.6% |
| Optician | 2.9% |
Healthcare: Administration & Office Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Medical Billing & Coding Specialist | 7.1% |
| Medical Office Administrator | 4.2% |
Therapy, Rehab & Fitness
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Occupational Therapy Assistant | 19.2% |
| Massage Therapist | 15.4% |
| Personal Trainer | 11.9% |
| Physical Therapy Aide | 2.8% |
Animal Care & Training
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Veterinary Technician | 9.1% |
| Dog Trainer | 5.1% |
| Veterinary Assistant | 8.7% |
Beauty & Personal Care
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Esthetician | 6.7% |
| Beauty Professional | 5.6% |
| Cosmetologist | 5.6% |
Culinary & Hospitality Careers
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Culinary Chef | 7.1% |
| Pastry Chef | 7.1% |
Business & Legal Support
| Trade | Job Growth (2024-2034, US) |
|---|---|
| Digital Court Reporter | -0.3% |
| Paralegal | 0.2% |
| Bookkeeper | -5.8% |
Job growth uses state projections when available and national projections (BLS Employment Projections, 2024-2034) when state data is unavailable. Median pay for each trade is shown in the comparison table above.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Employment Projections (2024-2034). Projected U.S. change shown for each trade.
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
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.