Electrician Career Guide in Illinois
Explore electrician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Illinois.
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How to Become an Electrician in Illinois
Electricians in Illinois commonly enter the trade through registered apprenticeships, community college programs, union training centers, or employer-sponsored training. Apprenticeships generally combine paid on-the-job experience with classroom instruction in electrical systems, safety, blueprint reading, and applicable electrical codes. Training and licensing requirements may differ by municipality and employer.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Electrician Salary in Illinois
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Illinois median wage for electrician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,350, the median wage in Illinois is approximately $34,010 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Electricians in Illinois
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONElectrician Training Requirements in Illinois
Illinois electricians commonly begin their careers through apprenticeship programs sponsored by labor unions, contractors, and industry associations. Apprentices receive paid work experience while completing classroom instruction covering electrical theory, National Electrical Code compliance, blueprint reading, safety standards, and troubleshooting techniques.
Most apprenticeship programs include approximately 8,000 hours of supervised field experience and several hundred hours of classroom instruction.
Electrician Training Providers in Illinois
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| College of DuPage | Glen Ellyn | View Program |
| Joliet Junior College | Joliet | View Program |
| Harper College | Palatine | View Program |
| Illinois Central College | East Peoria | View Program |
| Lincoln Land Community College | Springfield | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESElectrician Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois
Electrician Licensing Requirements in Illinois
Illinois does not maintain a general statewide electrician license. Electrical contractor registration and electrician licensing requirements are established primarily by municipalities and other local jurisdictions. Requirements may include a locally issued license, examination, contractor registration, bonding, insurance, permits, or supervision by a locally licensed electrical contractor.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSElectrician Job Outlook in Illinois
Illinois projects electrician employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, increasing from about 21,300 to 22,820 jobs. The state is expected to have approximately 2,070 electrician openings per year, including openings created by employment growth and the need to replace workers who leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the electrician salary in Illinois?
The statewide median wage for electricians in Illinois is approximately $96,360 per year, or $46.33 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Illinois require electrician licensing?
Illinois does not use one uniform statewide licensing rule for all electrician work. Local requirements may apply, and applicants should verify the rules in the city or county where they plan to work.
How long does it take to become an electrician in Illinois?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical Illinois electrician pathway generally requires approximately 8,000 hours of supervised on-the-job training and completion of any required examination.
Are electricians in demand in Illinois?
Illinois projects electrician employment to grow by approximately 7% from 2022 to 2032, with about 2,070 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Illinois Wages for Electrician (SOC 47-2111) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Electrician Wages
- Illinois Electrician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Illinois Electrician Employment Trends
- Applicable Illinois Municipality or Local Building Department — Licensing authority. Applicable Illinois Municipality or Local Building Department