How to Become a Electrician in Chicago, Illinois

Chicago’s electrical trade offers more than just a job—it provides a foundation for a stable, high-earning career shaping the city’s infrastructure. From wiring historic brownstones in Wicker Park to maintaining industrial systems along the Calumet River, electricians in Chicago benefit from strong union representation, competitive wages, and growing demand driven by renewable energy initiatives and infrastructure modernization. This guide outlines the pathways to licensure, apprenticeship opportunities, and long-term career prospects in one of America’s most dynamic cities for skilled trades.

Licensing Requirements for Electricians in Chicago

In Chicago, all electrical work requires licensure to ensure compliance with the Chicago Electrical Code, a set of standards stricter than the National Electrical Code (NEC). The city mandates two primary licenses:

1. Electrical Contractor License: Required for businesses or individuals bidding on projects, pulling permits, or supervising electrical installations.
2. Supervising Electrician License: Required for anyone overseeing electrical work. Applicants must be at least 21 years old, pass a written exam, and demonstrate two years of hands-on experience¹².

Exceptions apply only to public utility workers and low-voltage specialists operating under state-regulated licenses. For most aspiring electricians, the journey begins with an apprenticeship, which fulfills the experience requirement for licensure.

Pathways to Becoming a Licensed Electrician

Union-Sponsored Apprenticeships

The IBEW Local 134 (International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers) and NECA (National Electrical Contractors Association) collaborate through the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust (EJATT) to offer Chicago’s most comprehensive apprenticeship program. This five-year pathway combines classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training:

Apprentices earn 53.5 college credits toward an Associate in Applied Science (AAS) degree at Richard J. Daley College, with tuition covered by union-employer partnerships³⁴.

Technical College Programs

For those seeking faster entry into utility roles, the City Colleges of Chicago Electrical Line Worker Training Program prepares students for overhead electrical work in one year. The program costs $2,200 (2025 rate) and includes hands-on training in pole climbing and transformer installation. Graduates qualify for apprenticeships with utilities like ComEd, earning starting wages of $57,900 annually⁵.

Timeline to Licensure

The path to becoming a licensed electrician in Chicago typically follows one of three routes:

After completing an apprenticeship, electricians must pass the Supervising Electrician exam, which tests knowledge of local code amendments. The exam has a 68% first-time pass rate, though study groups at Daley College improve success odds⁶⁷.

Financial Investment and Earnings

Training Costs

• Union apprenticeships: No upfront tuition; apprentices earn wages starting at $20/hour during training⁸.
• Technical programs: $2,200–$3,500 annually, with materials costing up to $1,900⁹¹⁰.
• Toolkits: IEC Chicago loans apprentices $1,200 toolkits for $50/month¹¹.

Salary Progression

Chicago electricians enjoy wages 18% above the national median, with union members earning significantly more:

Overtime adds $7,000–$12,000 annually, particularly in industrial and renewable energy sectors¹²¹³.

Career Prospects and Job Outlook

High-Demand Specializations

1. Renewable Energy: Illinois’ Climate and Equitable Jobs Act mandates 40% renewable energy by 2030, creating demand for solar installers and battery technicians. Certified solar electricians earn up to $95,000 annually¹⁴¹⁵.
2. Smart Grid Technology: ComEd’s $2.3 billion grid modernization project requires 500+ electricians to install EV chargers and smart meters by 2026¹⁶.
3. Historic Renovations: Neighborhoods like Pilsen and Logan Square need electricians skilled in updating pre-1970s wiring without compromising architectural integrity¹⁷.

Job Growth

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 11% national growth for electricians through 2033, but Chicago’s rate is higher due to aging infrastructure and a retiring workforce—43% of master electricians plan to retire by 2030¹⁸¹⁹. Major developments like The 78 megaproject near Chinatown will require 120 electricians for high-rise wiring in 2025 alone²⁰.

Continuing Education and Advancement

Licensed electricians must complete 15 hours of continuing education every two years, focusing on NEC updates and emerging technologies. The IBEW-NECA Institute offers subsidized courses in:

• Solar photovoltaic systems
• Industrial automation
• Fire alarm and security systems

Advanced certifications, such as the ICC Photovoltaic Installer License, can increase earnings by 22%²¹.

Conclusion

Chicago’s electrical trade combines rigorous training with unparalleled opportunities for growth. Whether through a union apprenticeship or a technical college program, aspiring electricians gain access to a profession offering median wages of $72,000, union benefits, and a role in building the city’s sustainable future. With 500+ annual job openings and a clear path from apprentice to master electrician, now is the time to join a field where skill meets impact.

To start your journey, explore apprenticeship opportunities through IBEW Local 134 or the City Colleges of Chicago, and take the first step toward powering the Windy City’s next chapter.

⁂