The United States electrical industry is expected to grow by 8% within a few years. This Illinois electrical license guide contains everything you need to know about licensing and getting a job.

Does Illinois require an electrical license?

Every Illinois electrician must be licensed to perform residential and commercial electrical work.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Illinois?

The different types of electrical licenses in Illinois are journeyman electrician and electrical contractor.

Journeyman electricians supervise apprentice electricians. They repair wires and install electrical control systems in homes, schools, churches, stores, and apartment buildings. They supervise electrician apprentices. Applicants must:

• Pass a journeyman electrician examination.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Have at least 4 years of experience as an apprentice.
• Possess a high school diploma or GED.
• Submit an application and pay a fee.

Electrical contractors repair, inspect, and install electrical systems. They supervise apprentice electricians and journeyman electricians. Applicants must:

• Work as a journeyman electrician for a minimum of two years.
• Possess a valid journeyman license.
• Submit an application and pay a fee.
• Pass an electrical contractor examination.

In Illinois, electrical licenses are issued at the local level. Contact your local Electrician Licensing board for information about fees and additional licensing requirements. All licenses are issued according to Illinois state guidelines. Licensees can perform electrical work throughout the state. The average hourly pay for Illinois electricians is $25.16.

How to get an electrician license in Illinois

You are required to enroll in an electrician apprenticeship program before you are eligible to sit for a journeyman examination. However, you do not have to possess a license to work as an apprentice. After you complete a minimum of four years as an apprentice, you are eligible to apply for a journeyman license. Apply for an electrical contractor license as soon as you meet the minimum qualifications.

Electrician Apprenticeship Programs

• Apprenticeship USA
• ABC of Illinois
• Construction Industry Service Corporation

Illinois electrician apprenticeships offer a competitive salary, classroom training, and on-the-job electrical work opportunities. Companies and unions that sponsor apprenticeships generally pay for the costs. If you take electrical courses at a community college or trade school, expect to pay up to $350 per credit. Financial aid options are available at accredited schools.

Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites

• Have a high school diploma or GED.
• Be at least 18 years old.
• Be physically capable of performing electrician work.
• Score at least a ‘C’ in a high school algebra course.

On-the-Job Experience

• Assist electrical contractors and journeyman electricians.
• Take the required electrical courses.
• Maintain, repair, and install electrical systems.
• Operate a company vehicle.

Illinois Electrical License Information: Examinations are administered by local municipalities in Illinois. Applicants must score at least a 75% to pass the journeyman and electrical contractor exams. Expect to pay $100 per exam.

Illinois Electrician Examination Content

• Local Electrical Requirements
• Electrical Wire Safety
• OSHA Regulations
• Fire Detection and Alarm Systems

Examination Study Resources

• Illinois Electrician Exam
• Electrical Exam Information Woodstock, Illinois
• Master Electrician Exam Prep

Should I join an electrician union in Illinois?

Approximately 93% of union members have health insurance. Unions negotiate higher salaries for members. Many union members get vacation, sick pay, and pensions. You are required to pay monthly dues as a union member.

How to use your electrician license to get a job

Finding the right electrician job requires you to implement a strategic plan. The following tips can help you get hired for your next job:

Where to Find Electrician Jobs

• Illinois Job Link
• State of Illinois Employment Opportunities
• ZipRecruiter

Electrician Job Search Tips

• Identify your ideal employer.
• Search for jobs online and offline.
• Develop business relationships with people in the electrical industry.

Helpful Electrician Job Interview Tips

• Practice for your interview.
• Ask questions.
• Wear professional clothing.

Electrician insurance in Illinois

Maintaining and installing electrical systems is dangerous. Risks include working in extreme temperatures, electrical burns, fires, and UV radiation.

All Illinois electricians are required to have general liability insurance before they work on electrical systems. Companies generally purchase insurance that covers their employees. Business owners and self-employed electricians are required to maintain their own insurance.

Electrician industry trends

Many homeowners are choosing to remodel their older homes instead of buying new ones. They hire electricians to install energy-efficient lighting systems and rewire their homes.

Smart technology is being integrated into electrical tools, which keeps electricians safe as they are performing hazardous jobs. Electricians attend electrical industry trade shows to learn about new technology and trends.

Is my license only valid in Illinois?

Illinois does not have reciprocity agreements with other states. If you change your name or address or misplace your card, contact your local electrical licensing board.

How often do I need to renew my electrician license in Illinois?

Licenses must be renewed every two years. Expect to pay $60 to renew your Illinois electrical license.