Licensing Guides
State Septic License: How to Become a Septic Contractor in Illinois
Septic, IL
June 16th, 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
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.
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.
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 BLS.
The projected growth rate nationally is expected to be 8% from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 2,900 annual job openings, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor's job search website. In Illinois, the projected growth rate is 6% from 2022 to 2032, with approximately 80 annual job openings 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.
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.
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.
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
Getting your septic license in Illinois opens doors to a stable, in-demand career. Here are some key benefits:
Legal compliance: A license keeps you on the right side of the law. Unlicensed septic work in Illinois is a Class A misdemeanor under the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act.
Customer trust: Homeowners and businesses are more likely to hire a licensed contractor. Your license signals professionalism and accountability.
Higher earning potential: Licensed septic professionals in Illinois earn a mean annual wage of $54,770, above the national average of $49,590, according to the BLS.
Business ownership: A license is required to start your own septic installation or pumping business in Illinois.
Career stability: More than 25% of Illinois households use on-site sewage treatment systems, creating steady demand for licensed professionals.
What Is the Mean Wage for a Septic Professional in Illinois?
Septic tank servicers and sewer pipe cleaners in Illinois earn a mean annual wage of $54,770, according to the BLS. That's higher than the national mean annual wage of $49,590 for this occupation.
Nationally, wages range from $33,890 at the 10th percentile to $68,700 at the 90th percentile, with a median (50th percentile) of $46,910, according to the BLS.
Earning potential can grow with experience, certifications, and business ownership. Licensed contractors who build their own client base and add services like system inspections and maintenance contracts can earn significantly more over time.
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 potential costs associated with getting and maintaining a septic license in Illinois:
Exam application fee: $100 (payable by check or money order to IDPH)
Annual license renewal fee: $100 (waived for those with a valid Illinois or City of Chicago plumbing license)
Continuing education: Costs vary by provider. Three hours of IDPH-approved CE are required annually. The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association offers training workshops.
Local registration fees: Many county health departments charge separate registration fees for private sewage contractors. Check with the local health department in the counties where you plan to work.
Contractor-specific costs: Business owners should budget for general liability insurance, commercial vehicle costs, pumping equipment, and any bonding requirements set by local municipalities.
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.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How to Get a Septic License in Illinois
The process for obtaining a private sewage disposal contractor license in Illinois is straightforward. The IDPH does not require prior education or apprenticeship — applicants must pass a state examination.
Start by downloading the private sewage disposal exam application, which includes a list of upcoming exam dates and locations throughout the state. Submit your completed application with a 2-by-2-inch color photograph and the $100 exam fee at least 30 days before your chosen exam date.
The IDPH will email study materials and your letter of admission before the exam. After passing, you'll receive your result letter by email within 10 business days. Your license is then active statewide, though you'll still need to check local registration requirements in the counties where you plan to work.
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.
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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.
Additional exam details:
Exam format: The exam is closed-book. Testers may only bring pencils and a non-programmable calculator.
Administering body: The Illinois Department of Public Health, Division of Environmental Health
Exam schedule: Exams are offered at least once every month at various locations throughout the state. The IDPH publishes dates and locations in the exam application.
Study materials: The IDPH emails study materials to applicants after receiving their application.
How Can I Prepare for the Septic License Exam in Illinois?
The IDPH emails study materials to applicants before the exam. Here are additional ways to prepare:
Review the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code: Study the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 905), which covers system design, installation, and permitting requirements.
Study the Licensing Act: Familiarize yourself with the Private Sewage Disposal Licensing Act (225 ILCS 225).
Attend training: The Illinois Land Improvement Contractors Association offers workshops covering septic system design, installation, and maintenance.
Use EPA resources: The EPA's onsite wastewater treatment training centers listing includes programs available in Illinois.
On exam day, bring only pencils and a non-programmable calculator. Study materials and electronic devices are not permitted during the test.
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.
Does My Illinois Septic License Work in Any Other State?
No. An Illinois private sewage disposal contractor license is valid only within Illinois. Each state has its own septic licensing requirements, and Illinois does not have agreements that allow its license holders to work in other states without meeting those states' individual requirements.
If you plan to work in another state, you will need to apply for that state's septic or onsite wastewater license separately. Some states may give credit for your experience or exam results, but you should check directly with the licensing authority in the state where you plan to work.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for a Septic License in Illinois?
Illinois does not offer reciprocity for septic licenses. There are no agreements with other states that allow out-of-state licensed septic contractors to work in Illinois without first obtaining an Illinois license.
No reciprocity: All contractors, regardless of their out-of-state credentials, must pass the Illinois private sewage disposal examination and obtain a license from the IDPH before performing any septic installation or pumping work in the state. Contractors must also meet any local registration or licensing requirements in the counties and cities where they work.
Septic-Specific Requirements in Illinois
Beyond state licensing, septic contractors in Illinois must follow specific environmental and regulatory requirements:
Permit requirements: Before installing or modifying any private sewage disposal system, contractors must obtain a permit from the local health department or IDPH. Plans must be reviewed and approved before construction begins, per the Illinois Private Sewage Disposal Code.
System design standards: All installations must comply with the Private Sewage Disposal Code (77 Ill. Adm. Code 905), which sets requirements for site evaluation, system sizing, setback distances, and construction materials.
Waste hauling and disposal: Pumping contractors must properly dispose of septage at facilities approved by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). Illegal dumping carries additional penalties under state environmental law.
Local health department oversight: More than 90 local health departments act as agents of the IDPH and may impose additional requirements for permitting, inspections, and contractor registration.
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 several unique aspects to its septic licensing system that contractors should know:
No statewide experience or education prerequisite: Unlike many states, Illinois does not require prior experience, apprenticeship, or formal education to take the licensing exam. This makes the state accessible to new entrants.
Plumbing license exemption: Contractors who hold a valid Illinois or City of Chicago plumbing license are exempt from paying the annual private sewage contractor license fee, per the Private Sewage Disposal Code. However, they must still pass the private sewage examination.
Local registration requirements: Many county health departments require separate registration and fees for private sewage contractors. For example, contractors working in unincorporated areas of Cook County must register with the Department of Building and Zoning.
Portable sanitation licensing: Businesses and technicians who clean and service portable toilets need separate certification from the IDPH, distinct from the private sewage disposal license.
Are There Septic Scholarships in Illinois?
While there are no scholarships specific to septic licensing in Illinois, aspiring septic professionals can explore these funding options:
NOWRA scholarships: The National Onsite Wastewater Recycling Association periodically offers educational grants and scholarships for individuals pursuing careers in onsite wastewater management.
Trade and vocational scholarships: Organizations like the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC) offer scholarships for students in construction and trades programs.
Community college aid: Illinois community colleges that offer environmental technology or construction programs may provide financial aid, grants, or workforce development funding.
Workforce development programs: The Illinois workNet program may offer training grants for individuals entering skilled trades, including environmental services.
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.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Septic Work in Illinois?
Performing septic work in Illinois without a license is illegal. According to 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.
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.
