Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Illinois
Septic, IL
June 2nd, 2026
Table of Contents
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Illinois?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Illinois?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Illinois?
Septic License Requirements in Illinois
We all need safe, reliable sewage management for our homes and businesses. Those homeowners and businesses that rely on septic tanks, also known as on-site sewage facilities (OSSF), depend on people who know how to install and maintain those systems.
Is a license required to work as a septic contractor in Illinois? Yes. Under the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act (225 ILCS 225), any person who constructs, installs, repairs, modifies, or maintains a private sewage disposal system — or who cleans, pumps, or hauls waste from one — must hold a valid license issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Operating without a license is a Class A misdemeanor, and violators face civil penalties of up to $1,000 per violation plus $100 for each day the violation continues.
More than 25% of Illinois households use on-site sewage treatment systems, according to the Dewitt-Piatt Bi-County Health Department in Illinois.
Illinois employs 620 septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There are 27,900 nationwide, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2024 to 2034, adding 2,300 of these skilled workers to the ranks. In Illinois, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor's job search website, the projected growth rate is at 6% for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners.
If you're thinking about starting a septic business or working in the field, you need to know the requirements in your state or local jurisdiction. This guide will help you determine what you need before you get started.
Types of Septic Licenses in Illinois
The state of Illinois licenses private sewage disposal installation contractors and pumping contractors who work on private sewage systems.
Sewage disposal installation contractor license
A private sewage disposal installation contractor license is required for constructing, installing, repairing, modifying, or maintaining private sewage disposal systems. The state's Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act defines a private sewage disposal system as a sewage handling or treatment facility receiving domestic sewage from less than 15 people with or without ground surface discharge.
Sewage disposal pumping contractor license
A private sewage disposal pumping contractor license is required for those who clean or pump waste from a private sewage disposal system or haul or dispose of human waste.
To receive either of these state licenses, applicants will need to fill out an application for the private sewage disposal program examination, pay a fee, and pass the exam.
Here is a comparison of the two license types:
Attribute | Installation Contractor | Pumping Contractor |
|---|---|---|
Scope of work | Construct, install, repair, modify, or maintain private sewage disposal systems | Clean, pump, haul, or dispose of waste from private sewage disposal systems |
Supervision rules | No supervision requirement; must hold own license | No supervision requirement; must hold own license |
Experience requirements | None required by state | None required by state |
Exam required | Yes — IDPH written examination | Yes — IDPH written examination |
Progression path | Licensed installation contractor → business owner with local registrations | Licensed pumping contractor → business owner with local registrations |
Once licensed, septic system contractors also must follow the requirements of individual Illinois counties and cities. For instance, all contractors working in the unincorporated areas of Cook County must register as a contractor with the Department of Building and Zoning.
There are also additional local requirements for private sewage disposal installation or pumping contractors. Many county health departments require private sewage contractors to register and pay an application fee. Some counties also require registration for pumpers and haulers. It's important to check with the local health department where you plan to work to make sure you meet local registration or licensing requirements.
Steps to Get a Septic License in Illinois
The steps to getting a private sewage disposal installation or pumping contractor license are similar.
Submit a private sewage examination application 30 days before the exam to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Attach your photograph and provide an email on the application.
If you have one, send a copy of your Illinois or City of Chicago plumbing license. It's not required, but those who have one of these plumbing licenses are exempt from paying the annual private sewage contractor license fee.
Pay the $100 exam application fee.
Renew the license each year after completing three hours of continuing education.
Once you receive your state license, you'll need to check with the counties and cities where you plan to work to meet any additional registration or licensing requirements.
Benefits of Getting a Septic License in Illinois
There are many benefits to getting your Illinois septic contractor license:
It is required by law. Under the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act, anyone performing septic installation, repair, pumping, or hauling work must be licensed.
A license is proof of your competence and knowledge of Illinois private sewage disposal regulations.
Only licensed contractors can legally bid on septic installation and pumping projects.
Having a license protects your business and your customers.
A license gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
It increases your earning potential — licensed septic professionals in Illinois earn a mean annual wage of $54,770, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Illinois?
The annual mean wage for septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners in Illinois is $54,770, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. That is higher than the national mean wage of $49,590 for the same occupation.
Salaries vary based on experience, location, certifications, and whether you own your business. Here is how wages break down by percentile in Illinois, according to the BLS:
10th percentile: $38,010
25th percentile: $44,780
Median (50th percentile): $54,510
75th percentile: $61,120
90th percentile: $76,430
The meaning of "mean wage" and "median salary" can be confusing. Here is the difference:
Mean wage tells you the mathematical average.
Median salary tells you the point at which 50% of workers make less and 50% make more, and is usually a better indicator of what most people actually earn.
How Much Does It Cost to Get a Septic License in Illinois?
Getting a private sewage disposal installation contractor or pumping contractor license costs $100. Initially, this fee also covers the examination application. It costs $100 to renew these licenses every year.
Here is a breakdown of the costs associated with getting and maintaining a septic license in Illinois:
Examination and initial license fee: $100, payable by check or money order to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Annual license renewal fee: $100. Those with a valid Illinois or City of Chicago plumbing license are exempt from this fee, according to the Private Sewage Disposal Code.
Late reinstatement fee: $50 if your license has been expired for less than three years, plus all lapsed renewal fees. If expired for more than three years, you must retake and pass the written examination.
Training costs: No initial training is required by the state. However, you must complete three hours of IDPH-approved continuing education annually. Costs for CE courses vary by provider.
Local registration fees: Many county health departments require private sewage contractors to register and pay an application fee. Fees vary by county.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of a septic installer license, no matter where technicians are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan cloud-based, all-in-one septic business software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
ServiceTitan features:
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician's visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive the average ticket.
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To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How to Get a Septic License in Illinois
Getting a septic license in Illinois is straightforward because the state does not require formal training or experience before you apply. Here is a detailed walkthrough of the process:
OBTAIN THE EXAM APPLICATION: Download the private sewage examination application from the IDPH or a local health department. The application includes a list of upcoming exam dates and locations throughout the state.
SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION: Complete the application at least 30 days before your chosen exam date. Attach a 2-inch-by-2-inch color photograph, provide your email address, and include court-ordered child support information if applicable. If you hold an Illinois or City of Chicago plumbing license, include a copy — it exempts you from the annual license fee. Mail the application with a $100 fee (check or money order payable to the Illinois Department of Public Health) to:
Illinois Department of Public HealthDivision of Environmental Health525 W. Jefferson St.Springfield, IL 62761
PREPARE FOR THE EXAM: After submitting your application, the IDPH will email study materials and a letter of admission to the exam. Review these materials carefully.
TAKE AND PASS THE EXAM: Bring only pencils and a non-programmable calculator to the testing location. You may not access study materials during the exam. The IDPH emails result letters approximately 10 business days after the exam.
RECEIVE YOUR LICENSE: Upon passing, the IDPH issues your private sewage disposal contractor license.
REGISTER LOCALLY: Once you have your state license, check with the counties and cities where you plan to work. Many county health departments require additional registration and fees. For example, contractors working in unincorporated Cook County must register with the Department of Building and Zoning.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Septic License in Illinois?
Since there are no initial training or experience requirements, getting a private sewage disposal installation or pumping contractor license can be accomplished quickly.
Applicants must first pass a private sewage examination, which is offered at least once every month at different locations throughout the state. The IDPH publishes the dates and locations in the exam application. It takes about 10 business days following the exam to receive a result letter by email, according to the IDPH.
The time it takes to register or obtain licensing from cities or county health departments depends on the specific requirements and processing times of the municipalities or agencies.
Illinois Septic Training Programs and Schools
Illinois private sewage disposal installation or pumping contractors are not required to complete initial educational training. To renew these state licenses, contractors must complete three hours of IDPH-approved continuing education.
The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association, Inc. is one group in the state that provides training and workshops specifically for private sewage disposal contractors.
Illinois Septic Licensing Exam Details
All private sewage disposal installation or pumping contractors, even if they hold a plumbing license, must take and pass an examination.
Private sewage contractor applicants must:
Complete the private sewage examination application PDF 30 days before the exam. A list of exam dates and locations is provided with the application.
Attach a 2-inch-by-2-inch color photograph of the applicant on the application.
Include an email address. The IDPH sends study materials, the letter of admission to the exam, and exam results by email.
Provide court-ordered child support information.
Include a copy of your Illinois or City of Chicago plumbing license, if you have one.
Pay the $100 application fee by check or money order, payable to the Illinois Department of Public Health.
Mail exam applications to:Illinois Department of Public HealthDivision of Environmental Health525 W. Jefferson St.Springfield, IL 62761
Testers may only bring pencils and a non-programmable calculator to the exam. They may not access study materials.
The IDPH emails result letters 10 business days after the exam.
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How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Illinois?
The IDPH emails study materials to applicants after their exam application is received. These materials are the primary resource for exam preparation.
To prepare effectively:
Review the study materials sent by the IDPH thoroughly.
Familiarize yourself with the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 905), which covers design, construction, materials, and maintenance standards.
Study the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act to understand the legal framework.
Consider attending training or workshops offered by the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association, which provides education specifically for private sewage disposal contractors.
Get plenty of rest the night before the exam. Bring only pencils and a non-programmable calculator — no study materials are allowed during the test.
Who Issues Septic Licenses in Illinois?
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) licenses private sewage disposal installation contractors and private sewage disposal pumping contractors. It also licenses or certifies portable sanitation businesses, technicians, and technician trainees who clean and service portable toilets.
The IDPH also regulates the installation of private sewage disposal systems with no surface discharge, such as septic tanks and subsurface seepage fields, and systems that discharge treated effluent up to 1,500 gallons a day to the ground surface, such as recirculating sand filters and aerobic treatment systems.
IDPH staff review and approve plans for construction of these systems. More than 90 local health departments act under the authority of a local ordinance or as an agent of IDPH to review property owners' sewage disposal system permit applications and construction plans.
Laws governing sewage disposal in the state include the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code (Adm. Code Title 77, Part 905), and the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act, which sets out licensure requirements to preserve the water supply and protect public health and safety.
Does Illinois Reciprocate Septic Licenses?
No, Illinois does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for septic licenses. All private sewage disposal installation contractors and pumping contractors must pass an exam and receive a state license to perform septic installations or provide pumping services in the state. Contractors also must follow the local registration or licensing requirements of counties and cities.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Illinois?
Illinois does not have reciprocity agreements with any other state for private sewage disposal licenses. There is no partial reciprocity and no expedited pathway for out-of-state contractors.
If you hold a septic license in another state, you must still:
Submit a private sewage examination application to the IDPH.
Pay the $100 examination fee.
Pass the Illinois written examination.
Register with any local county health departments where you plan to work.
Your out-of-state experience and credentials may help you prepare for the exam, but they do not waive any Illinois requirements.
Septic-Specific Requirements in Illinois
In addition to state licensing, Illinois has specific environmental and regulatory requirements that apply to septic work:
System design and permitting: The Private Sewage Disposal Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 905) sets minimum standards for system design, siting, soil evaluation, and construction. No new system can be installed until plans are submitted to and approved by the IDPH or the local health department.
NPDES permit for surface-discharging systems: Systems that discharge treated effluent to the ground surface must comply with the National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) requirements from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA).
Routine maintenance requirements: Systems installed after January 1, 2014, must be evaluated within three years of installation and at least once every five years thereafter, per Section 905.20 of the Private Sewage Disposal Code. Aerobic treatment units require evaluation at least every six months.
Soil evaluation: A licensed soil evaluator or registered sanitarian must assess soil conditions before a system can be designed. Minimum setback distances apply — 50 feet from a potable well, 10 feet from a property line, and 25 feet from a drainage ditch.
National Septic Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The National Association of Wastewater Technicians and The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association offer certifications. Those and other professional certifications are not required but add to your marketability by showing your commitment to industry standards and environmental health, potentially increasing your opportunity to make more money.
To find local training resources, the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) lists onsite wastewater treatment training centers by state. You can also learn more about private sewage disposal, wastewater treatment systems, and groundwater protection through other governmental agencies and industry associations in Illinois. These include:
Other Requirements Unique to Illinois
Illinois has a layered regulatory system where both state and local governments oversee septic work:
Local vs. statewide licensing: The state IDPH license is required statewide, but more than 90 local health departments also enforce their own requirements. Many county health departments require private sewage contractors to register locally and pay additional fees.
Cook County registration: All contractors working in unincorporated Cook County must register with the Cook County Department of Building and Zoning.
Portable sanitation licensing: If your work includes servicing portable toilets, you need a separate portable sanitation business license and your technicians need portable sanitation technician certification from the IDPH.
Plumbing license exemption: Those who hold a valid Illinois or City of Chicago plumbing license are exempt from paying the annual private sewage contractor license fee, but must still pass the private sewage examination.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Illinois?
While there are no scholarships specifically dedicated to septic contractors in Illinois, there are funding opportunities for trade and environmental health education:
The National Association of Wastewater Technicians (NAWT) occasionally offers scholarships and grants for wastewater education and certification.
The EPA's onsite wastewater treatment training centers may offer financial assistance for training programs.
Illinois community colleges offer environmental health and water quality programs that may qualify for state and federal financial aid, including the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).
Check with local trade associations like the Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association for any industry-specific scholarship opportunities.
How Can Someone Verify My Septic License in Illinois?
Potential clients, employers, or local health departments can verify your Illinois private sewage disposal contractor license through the IDPH:
Go to the IDPH Private Sewage Contractor Search page.
Enter the contractor's name or license number.
View the license status, type, and expiration date.
This online verification tool is maintained by the IDPH Division of Environmental Health and is available to the public at no cost.
When Can a Septic License Get Suspended in Illinois?
The IDPH Director can suspend or revoke a private sewage disposal contractor license under the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act. Common reasons include:
Violating the Private Sewage Disposal Code or Licensing Act
Installing systems that do not comply with approved plans
Failing to obtain required permits before construction
Fraud or misrepresentation on a license application
Failure to complete required continuing education
Practicing on an expired license
Contractors who receive notice of suspension or revocation have the right to a hearing before the IDPH Director or a designated hearing officer. Written notice requesting a hearing must be served on the Department within 10 days of the notice.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed information, refer to the official Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Illinois?
Performing septic work in Illinois without a license is illegal. According to Section 19 of the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act (225 ILCS 225):
Any person who violates the Act is guilty of a Class A misdemeanor and shall be fined not less than $100. Each day of violation constitutes a separate offense.
The IDPH or a local government may impose a civil penalty not exceeding $1,000 for each violation, plus $100 for each day the violation continues.
The State's Attorney or Attorney General may seek a court injunction to stop any actual or threatened violation, or to shut down any operation conducted in violation of the Act.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed information, refer to the official Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act.
Do I Need to Renew My Illinois Septic License?
Yes. Illinois private sewage disposal installation and pumping contractor licenses expire annually.
To renew, license holders must complete three hours of IDPH-approved continuing education and pay the $100 license renewal fee. Those who have a valid plumbing license issued under the Illinois Plumbing License Law (225 ILCS 320) do not need to pay the annual license fee, according to the state's Private Sewage Disposal Code.
The IDPH sends out license renewal notices and provides online renewal for private sewage contractors.
Continuing Education
Those with private sewage disposal installation and pumping contractor licenses must complete three hours of IDPH-approved continuing education every year before renewing their licenses.
The IDPH provides a resource tab on its website with course lists for private sewage disposal continuing education. Contractors must submit a certificate of completion for continuing education before their license is renewed.
Resources
You can stay up to date on all septic industry news several ways:
Check top septic blogs, including ServiceTitan's blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your septic business.
Listen to top septic podcasts like ServiceTitan's "Toolbox for the Trades" podcast.
States have licensing requirements for other trades, too. You can find out more about how to get an HVAC, plumbing, or electrical license in Illinois, or in any of the other 49 states and the District of Columbia, through the ServiceTitan Licensing Hub.
