CertOutlook

Electrician in Illinois

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for IL. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary
$96,360
trending_up +54.5% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Illinois.

engineering
22,880

Jobs (IL)

monitoring Surging
+9.5%

10-yr job growth

schedule
Approximately 4 years (for initial certification/journeyman level)

Time to complete

route How to become an electrician in Illinois

To become a licensed electrician in Illinois, individuals must obtain a license through local municipalities or counties, as there is no statewide electrician license. Requirements typically include a high school diploma or GED and completion of an apprenticeship program or equivalent classroom and on-the-job training, often totaling around 8,000 hours of experience. Applicants must pass a local electrical exam, which varies by jurisdiction, such as the Supervising Electrician Examination for the City of Chicago. Illinois does not have reciprocity agreements with other states for electrician licensing.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,770
25th percentile $67,690
50th (median) $96,360
75th percentile $108,230
90th (experienced) $120,120

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Illinois. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Illinois requirements

Licensing bodyLocal municipalities and counties (e.g., City of Chicago Department of Buildings, Cook County Department of Building and Zoning)
State license Not required
EducationHigh school diploma or GED; completion of an apprenticeship program or equivalent classroom instruction (typically 500-800 hours)
Experience8,000.0 hours
ExamVaries by municipality (e.g., Supervising Electrician Examination for Chicago)
NotesIllinois does not have a statewide electrician license. Licensing is regulated at the municipal or county level. Requirements, exams, and fees vary significantly by jurisdiction. For example, in Chicago, a Supervising Electrician must be at least 21 years old and have 2 years of experience. Cook County requires electrical contractors to register and have a supervising electrician licensed by a city, town, or village in Illinois with an electrical commission that administers an examination. Some municipalities may require general liability insurance (e.g., Cook County requires $1,000,000).

Source: Local municipalities and counties (e.g., City of Chicago Department of Buildings, Cook County Department of Building and Zoning)

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth
+9.5%
Much faster than average
Annual openings
81,000
Nationwide per year
Total employment
818,700
Nationwide
neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.78/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

  • infoNo state license required — lower barrier but weaker signal
  • check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+9.5%)
  • check_circleLow AI disruption risk
psychology
Wondering if an electrician career is the right fit?
See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.
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Frequently asked questions

How do I become an electrician in Illinois? expand_more
In Illinois, becoming an electrician requires you to complete the required education (High school diploma or GED; completion of an apprenticeship program or equivalent classroom instruction (typically 500-800 hours)), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, and pass the Varies by municipality (e.g., Supervising Electrician Examination for Chicago).
Do I need a license to work as an electrician in Illinois? expand_more
electricians in Illinois are not required to hold a state license. Note: Illinois does not have a statewide electrician license. Licensing is regulated at the municipal or county level. Requirements, exams, and fees vary significantly by jurisdiction. For example, in Chicago, a Supervising Electrician must be at least 21 years old and have 2 years of experience. Cook County requires electrical contractors to register and have a supervising electrician licensed by a city, town, or village in Illinois with an electrical commission that administers an examination. Some municipalities may require general liability insurance (e.g., Cook County requires $1,000,000).
What do electricians earn in Illinois? expand_more
The median electrician salary in Illinois is $96,360 per year. That's 55% above the national median of $62,350. New electricians start around $48,770; seasoned professionals can reach $120,120.
How quickly can I become an electrician in Illinois? expand_more
In Illinois, becoming an electrician generally takes Approximately 4 years (for initial certification/journeyman level), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

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