Considering a career as an electrician in Illinois? The job outlook for electricians is strong in the state and nationally, with the number of positions expected to grow 8% from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average across all occupations.
By meeting Illinois’ education, training and licensing requirements and gaining on-the-job experience, you can position yourself for success as an electrician in the state.
What Does an Electrician Do?
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communications, lighting, control and security systems in homes, businesses, factories, and other structures. Their day-to-day work involves:
- Reading blueprints and technical diagrams
- Running, bending, and pulling wire and cable
- Inspecting and testing electrical components and systems
- Ensuring work complies with relevant codes
- Identifying electrical problems using testing devices
- Replacing worn and defective wiring and components
- Operating conduit benders, drills and other tools
Electricians work indoors and outdoors on jobsites including construction areas, factories, businesses, and people’s homes. The job can be physically demanding, involving standing, kneeling, bending and working in tight spaces for extended periods.
Electricians often work alone, though sometimes they collaborate with others electricians and construction workers on larger jobs.
Master electricians can also become self-employed contractors managing their own business. They interact with clients, oversee apprentices and journeymen, bid on new jobs, track inventory and manage payroll and taxes.
Illinois Electrician License Requirements
To work as an electrician in Illinois, you must obtain a license from the state Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR). Illinois offers state electrical licenses at five levels:
Apprentice Electrician License
- Gain employment under an approved sponsoring electrician
- Complete required classroom instruction
Journeyman Electrician License
- Complete an IDFPR-approved apprenticeship program with at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of training
- Pass the IBEW Journeyman Electrician exam
Residential Electrician License
- Document at least 3 years and 6,000 hours of experience
- Pass the residential electrician exam
Installer Electrician License
- Document at least 2 years and 4,000 hours of experience
- Pass the installer electrician exam
Master Electrician License
- Document at least 4 years and 8,000 hours of experience
- Pass the master electrician exam
Higher license classifications allow electricians to perform broader types and scopes of electrical work. Master electricians can obtain permits and oversee others, while lower-tier licenses like residential restrict work to specific types of systems.
All electrician licenses require passing IDFPR exams that cover electrical theory, regulations, systems, equipment and other key topics. IDFPR has strict requirements for the amount and types of qualifying experience needed for each license level.
How Long Does it Take to Become an Electrician in Illinois?
The training time needed to become an electrician in Illinois depends on your route:
Apprenticeship Program Route
Going through an IDFPR-approved electrician apprenticeship is the most common path to becoming a licensed electrician in Illinois. Apprenticeships last 4-5 years with a minimum of 144 hours per year of classroom education alongside extensive on-the-job training.
At the end of their apprenticeship, electricians can take the journeyman exam to gain this intermediate license. They can then accumulate more hours towards their master electrician license.
Independent Experience Route
It’s also possible to gain experience outside of an apprenticeship program working under the supervision of a licensed master electrician. You can apply this experience toward eligibility for installer, residential or master electrician licensing exams.
Because there are hour requirements in specific work categories, accruing well-rounded experience independently typically takes longer — at least 4-8 years depending on the license level sought.
Either way, dedicate yourself to steady training over an extended period through an apprenticeship, informal experience or both paths combined. This ensures you gain the breadth of knowledge and versatility required for licensing.
Step-by-Step Guide to Becoming an Electrician in Illinois
Follow these key steps to start your career as a licensed electrician in the state:
1. Graduate High School or Earn GED
Finishing high school or earning an equivalency diploma provides critical math, science and communication skills needed to succeed as an electrician. Technical high school coursework in electrical systems can also help prepare you.
2. Complete Electrician Training
Enroll in an IDFPR-registered electrician apprenticeship program after high school, offered through:
- Union apprenticeships: Joint apprenticeship training councils made up of local unions and electrical associations offer no-cost, 5-year programs training assistants, installer technicians and journeymen.
- Independent apprenticeships: Private technical schools and employers provide non-union apprenticeships that also register with the state. These usually last 4 years.
- Technical school: Though not required, completing an electrical technology associate degree or certificate program can further prepare you with broad technical knowledge and hands-on practice. Many apprentices attend community college programs part-time while training on-the-job.
Apprenticeships integrate classroom education in electrical theory, codes, design, safety and emerging technologies with paid onsite learning under an experienced mentor. This well-rounded training is key to advancing your skills.
3. Get Licensed and Begin Working
After completing an apprenticeship, take the licensing exams needed for your desired electrician credential. For example, passing the journeyman exam allows you to work in this role under a master electrician’s supervision.
To gain a master license, you must document additional years of experience before taking this top-level exam.
With license in hand, you can start applying for electrician job openings in your specialty area(s). Consider searching roles with:
- Construction contractors
- Utility providers
- Manufacturing and production factories
- Mines and transportation services
- Government agencies
- Facilities management teams in large buildings
- As a self-employed contractor
4. Continue Your Education
To stay current in the field and boost your expertise as an electrician, pursue 30 hours of continuing education during every licensing cycle.
Through electrical code updates, emerging technologies courses, troubleshooting seminars and more, lifelong learning ensures your knowledge and career remain energized.
Consider also pursuing additional specialized electrician licenses to expand your professional capabilities over time.
Electrician Salary and Job Outlook in Illinois
The median salary for electricians in Illinois is $67,910 per year, significantly above the national median wage of $59,190 for electricians, according to May 2021 figures from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The top 10% of electricians earn $103,720 or higher annually in the state.
Nationwide, the number of electrician jobs is projected to grow 8% over the 2022-2032 decade, quicker than average across all occupations.
In Illinois, new building construction, factory expansions, infrastructure upgrades, maintenance of aging systems, and incorporation of energy efficient, smart technologies will drive steady demand for qualified licensed electricians in the years ahead.
Major metropolitan regions typically offer the most job opportunities. The Chicago-Naperville-Elgin area employs the highest number of electricians in Illinois.
5 Frequently Asked Questions
Should I get a degree to become an electrician?
What is the easiest electrician license to get in Illinois?
Can I work part-time as an apprentice electrician?
Is there a demand for electricians in Illinois?
What is the hardest part about becoming an electrician?
Conclusion: Bright Opportunities Ahead for Illinois
With comprehensive training, persistence and a desire to learn, there are bright opportunities ahead for electricians in Illinois. As infrastructure and buildings evolve, the need for skilled electrical workers will continue growing over the next decade.
By meeting Illinois’ licensing requirements through an apprenticeship or independent experience, you can gain expertise in installing, troubleshooting and maintaining today’s complex electrical systems.
A rewarding career awaits in supporting communities, homes and businesses with the power they depend on. With diligence and dedication, you have the potential to join the state’s next generation of licensed electricians helping to energize Illinois’ future.