If you're looking to jumpstart a career in the electrical trade in Jacksonville, IL, the first step is to understand the licensing requirements and training pathways available in the region. With projected job growth of 11% through 2033 and average salaries exceeding $72,000 annually for journeymen, the electrical trade presents robust opportunities for skilled professionals 12. In Illinois, electrical licensing authority is delegated to municipalities rather than maintained as a statewide system 34. This means that while Chicago has established specific licensing tiers, Jacksonville electricians should understand the local requirements and opportunities.
Before diving into the steps, it's essential to understand what being an electrician entails. Electricians are skilled professionals who install, repair, and maintain electrical systems in residential, commercial, and industrial buildings. This includes working on wiring, lighting, control systems, and power distribution. With the $12.7 billion O'Hare 21 modernization project and the 2034 Chicago Renewable Energy Transition (CRET) mandating 50,000 EV charger installations, electricians will play a crucial role in shaping the region's energy infrastructure 12.
Yes! Although there is no statewide license for electricians in Illinois, each city or municipality licenses electricians or electrical contractors differently. In Chicago, which influences many surrounding areas including Jacksonville, there are two main license tiers: the Low-Voltage License covering Class 1-3 circuits, and the General License authorizing work on all electrical systems up to 600 volts 35. While specific Jacksonville licensing requirements aren't detailed in the available data, aspiring electricians should expect similar standards to those in Chicago, including:
Notably, 43 Illinois municipalities recognize Chicago-issued licenses for cross-jurisdictional work, though separate certifications may be required for projects governed by specialized local codes 39.
According to the research, a registered apprenticeship under a licensed master electrician typically takes 4 years to complete, combining 8,000 on-site hours with 720 classroom hours through organizations like IBEW Local 134 or IEC-Illinois 51. Apprentices earn between $21.69-$28.88/hour during training 28.
| Electrical Apprenticeship Program | Duration | Hourly Wage During Training |
| --- | --- | --- |
| IBEW Local 134 | 4 years | $21.69-$28.88 |
| IEC-Illinois | 4 years | $21.69-$28.88 |
To find an apprenticeship in Jacksonville:
To become an electrician in Jacksonville, you must meet specific basic requirements:
While not always mandatory, completing a pre-apprenticeship program can give you a solid foundation in the trade. These programs are offered by trade schools, community colleges, and technical institutes in Illinois and usually cover topics like:
An apprenticeship is a crucial step in becoming an electrician. In Illinois, you'll need to complete a 4-year electrical apprenticeship to gain the hands-on experience required for licensing. Apprenticeships involve both on-the-job training and classroom instruction.
To find an apprenticeship:
During your apprenticeship, you'll work under the supervision of a licensed electrician and learn the practical skills needed for the job, such as installing wiring, troubleshooting electrical systems, and adhering to local codes.
After completing your apprenticeship, you can apply for a Journeyman Electrician license, which is required to work independently as an electrician in most Illinois jurisdictions.
To obtain a Journeyman Electrician license, you must:
Processing takes 4-6 weeks, with digital licenses issued via Chicago e-licensing portal 3.
A Master Electrician license allows you to own and operate your own electrical business, supervise other electricians, and take on larger projects. To become a Master Electrician in Illinois, you must:
The financial investment to become an electrician in Illinois varies depending on the training pathway chosen:
| Cost Component | Range | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Trade School Tuition | $5,000-$12,000 | 105 |
| Apprenticeship Tools | $1,200-$3,500 | 11 |
| Examination Fees | $100-$330 | 7128 |
| License Application | $100-$200 | 74 |
| Annual Renewal | $75-$120 | 72 |
| Continuing Education | $150/year | 8 |
Fortunately, there are public funding options available:
The career prospects for electricians in Jacksonville, IL are promising, with projected job growth of 11% through 2033 12. Here are the salary benchmarks for 2025:
| Position | Hourly Wage | Annual Earnings |
|---|---|---|
| Apprentice | $23.92 | $49,753 |
| Journeyman | $36.50 | $72,000 |
| Master Electrician | $41.00 | $85,740 |
| Electrical Contractor | $52.50 | $109,200 |
For Jacksonville specifically, high-paying electrical jobs in 2025 include Chief Engineer positions paying between $63.77 and $66.32 per hour, and electrician positions that can reach up to $62 per hour 141516. The national median annual wage for electricians was $62,350 in May 2024, with a median hourly wage of $29.98 17.
Unionized workers earn 32% higher wages on average compared to non-union counterparts, with IBEW Local 134 offering family health plans and pension contributions 1318.
Several emerging technologies and trends are expected to impact electrical careers in Jacksonville, IL by 2025:
| Emerging Technology/Trend | Impact on Electrical Careers |
|---|---|
| Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) | New nuclear infrastructure, power systems support |
| Renewable Energy Integration | Installation/maintenance of solar, wind, battery storage |
| EV Charging Infrastructure | Installation and servicing of EV chargers |
| Smart Home & IoT Technology | Smart device integration, smart grid operation, remote control |
| LED and Energy-Efficient Lighting | Upgrades in lighting systems |
| AI & Data Analytics | Enhanced diagnostics and energy management |
| Electrical Safety & Compliance | Adherence to updated codes and regular inspections |
These trends point to expanding roles in renewable installations, smart technology integration, nuclear-supporting infrastructure, and regulatory compliance, shaping the skill sets required for electrical careers in Jacksonville, IL by 2025 1920212223.
Starting a career as an electrician apprentice in Jacksonville, IL is an exciting opportunity to enter a field that is essential and well paid. Whether you're just finishing high school or considering a career change, following these steps will set you on the path to success in this critical industry. As you gain experience and build your credentials, the opportunities in the electrical trade will only continue to grow.
Good luck on your journey and be sure to check out Gild for apprenticeship opportunities near you!
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