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.
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:
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.
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:
| Year | Training Focus | Fieldwork Wage (% of Journeyman Rate) |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Technical math, conduit bending, print reading | 40–45% ($20.00–$22.50/hour) |
| 2 | Motor controls, photovoltaics | 50–55% ($25.00–$27.50/hour) |
| 3 | HVAC systems, programmable logic controllers | 60–65% ($30.00–$32.50/hour) |
| 4–5 | Leadership, safety protocols, NEC updates | 70–90% ($35.00–$45.00/hour) |
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 partnerships[^3][^4].
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 annually[^5].
The path to becoming a licensed electrician in Chicago typically follows one of three routes:
| Pathway | Duration | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| IBEW-NECA Apprenticeship | 5 years | 2,000 classroom hours + 8,000 fieldwork hours; journeyman exam at completion |
| City Colleges Line Worker Program | 1 year | Full-time training followed by utility apprenticeships |
| Supervising Electrician License | 2+ years post-apprenticeship | Exam preparation + 15 hours of continuing education biennially |
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 odds[^6][^7].
Chicago electricians enjoy wages 18% above the national median, with union members earning significantly more:
| Role | Union Wage + Benefits | Non-Union Wage |
|---|---|---|
| First-Year Apprentice | $18/hour + healthcare | $15/hour |
| Journeyman (5+ years) | $49/hour + pension | $36/hour |
| Supervising Electrician | $55–$65/hour | $45–$55/hour |
Overtime adds $7,000–$12,000 annually, particularly in industrial and renewable energy sectors[^12][^13].
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 2030[^18][^19]. Major developments like The 78 megaproject near Chinatown will require 120 electricians for high-rise wiring in 2025 alone[^20].
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:
Advanced certifications, such as the ICC Photovoltaic Installer License, can increase earnings by 22%[^21].
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.
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[^1]: City of Chicago Electrical Contractor License Requirements
[^2]: City of Chicago Supervising Electrician License Guidelines
[^3]: IBEW-NECA EJATT Program Description
[^4]: IBEW Local 134 Apprenticeship Portal
[^5]: City Colleges of Chicago Line Worker Program
[^6]: EJATT Study Group Resources
[^7]: City of Chicago Supervising Electrician License Guidelines
[^8]: IBEW-NECA EJATT Program Description
[^9]: City Colleges of Chicago Line Worker Program
[^10]: Richard J. Daley College AAS Program Costs
[^11]: IEC Chicago Tool Loan Program
[^12]: Illinois Department of Labor Wage Reports
[^13]: ZipRecruiter Electrician Salary Data
[^14]: Illinois Department of Labor Wage Reports
[^15]: Illinois Climate and Equitable Jobs Act
[^16]: ComEd Grid Modernization Initiative
[^17]: ComEd Grid Modernization Initiative
[^18]: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics – Electrician Occupational Outlook
[^19]: ICC Photovoltaic Installer Certification
[^20]: ComEd Grid Modernization Initiative
[^21]: ICC Photovoltaic Installer Certification
