Illinois Electrician License: Everything You Need to Know

Are you looking for an exciting new career that pays well and allows you to impact your community positively? Apply for an Illinois electrical license and become a professional electrician.  

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, the electrical industry in the United States is expected to grow by 11% over the next decade. Electrician job growth in Illinois is higher than the national average; in the next 10 years, it’s expected to grow at a rate of 13%. This Illinois electrical license guide contains everything you need to know about licensing and getting a job. We also include helpful links to educational and job search opportunities.

Does Illinois require an electrical license?

Illinois does not have a state wide license for journeymen or master electricians; instead, licensing is managed at the local level by municipalities. However, electrical contractors must meet certain state and local requirements. You may need separate licenses from the city and county of places you wish to perform electrician work.

What are the different types of electrical licenses in Illinois?

The different types of electrical licenses in Illinois are:

• Journeyman electrician
• 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.

Optional certifications for Illinois electrical professionals

Your electrician licenses allow you to legally perform electrical work in the state. However, there are plenty of optional certifications that can help you get a job, win a bid, or demonstrate to your customers that you have certain niche skills and expertise.

National Fire Protection Association certification

The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) is responsible for establishing the National Electrical Code (NEC). It offers continuing educational opportunities, plus certifications for electricians who work on building fire-suppression networks, security alarms, and similar systems.

NECA certifications

The National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) is the leading and most respected organization for professional electricians in the U.S. It welcomes electricians of all levels to join, providing abundant opportunities for networking and ongoing education. NECA offers a variety of certifications tailored to electricians at every stage of their careers. Earning a NECA certification showcases your skills and expertise to potential clients and employers.

Independent Electrical Contractors Certified Professional Electrician

The Independent Electrical Contractors (IEC) Certified Professional Electrician (CPE) designation recognizes the highest level of achievement for electricians in the country and is acknowledged across all states. If you’re not yet ready for the CPE certification, IEC provides a range of other certifications, including specialized ones for electricians pursuing niche fields.

IEC also offers valuable continuing education resources to help you stay current with industry developments and discover apprenticeship opportunities. For those not pursuing a union apprenticeship or attending trade school, IEC presents a strong alternative for foundational electrical education.

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 completing a minimum of four years as an apprentice, you can apply for a journeyman license. Apply for an electrical contractor license as soon as you meet the minimum qualifications.

Illinois electrician apprenticeship programs

There are dozens of apprenticeship opportunities in Illinois, both union and non-union. In addition, you can secure an apprenticeship through your local community college or trade school. Some state-approved apprenticeship opportunities include:

• Apprenticeship USA
• Associated Builders and Contractors, Inc., Illinois Chapter
• International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW) Local 146

Illinois electrician apprenticeships offer competitive salaries, 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

Each apprenticeship may have specific requirements for acceptance, but for the most part, you must:

• 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

Much of your time as an apprentice will be spent getting practical experience. However, there is a lot to know about electrical work and the National Electrical Code, so you’ll spend a few thousand hours in the classroom, too. Your apprenticeship will involve:

• Assisting electrical contractors and journeyman electricians
• Taking the required electrical courses
• Maintaining, repairing, and installing electrical systems
• Operating a company vehicle

Illinois Electrical License information

Examinations are administered by local municipalities in Illinois. Applicants must score at least 75% to pass the journeyman and electrical contractor exams. Expect to pay $100 per exam. You can find practice tests here and here. You can also study and take practice tests for the Master Electrician Exam Prep here and here.

The electrician exams cover the following topics:

• Local electrical requirements
• Electrical wire safety
• OSHA regulations
• Fire detection and alarm systems

How much does an electrician make in Illinois?

Illinois electrician pay is quite competitive, particularly in the larger metropolitan areas. There is a wide range of job opportunities, from entry-level positions to management roles. The average pay for the most frequently advertised electrician jobs in Illinois is as follows:

• Apprentice electrician: $23.92 per hour
• Electrical technician: $30.95 per hour
• General electrician: $67,780 per year
• Journeyman electrician: $36.00 per hour
• Electrical foreman: $71,062 per hour
• Electrical Project Manager: $103,112 per year

Illinois electrician salaries are slightly higher than the national average. General electricians in Illinois, for example, earn an average of $67,780 per year, compared to the U.S. average of $63,370 per year.

There are a few other factors that can impact your annual earnings. If you work in a higher-cost-of-living area or have specialized certifications and extensive experience, you can expect to earn more than the average.

If you’re an hourly worker, you might earn more by working overtime or getting extra pay for responding to emergency calls during nights or weekends, which can boost your weekly income. Electrical contractors who run their own businesses have a much greater potential for higher earnings compared to employees, though owning a business comes with its own set of challenges.

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. The largest electrician union in the country is the International Brotherhood of Electrician Workers (IBEW). There are local chapters throughout the state, including the IBEW Local 461 in Aurora, IL, IBEW Local 134 in Chicago, and the IBEW 364 in Rockford, IL.

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:

Online job boards for electrician jobs in Illinois:

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

When searching for an electrician job, start by identifying your ideal employer. Consider the type of work environment, projects, and company culture that best aligns with your goals and skills. Next, leverage both online and offline resources to find opportunities. Online job boards, company websites, and social media platforms like LinkedIn are excellent places to start but don’t underestimate the value of offline methods such as visiting local businesses, attending job fairs, or checking community bulletin boards.

Networking is also crucial; develop strong business relationships with people in the electrical industry, such as fellow electricians, contractors, and suppliers. Attend industry events or join professional organizations to expand your connections. These relationships can provide valuable insights into job openings and company reputations and may lead to referrals or recommendations. A proactive and well-rounded approach increases your chances of finding the perfect electrician job.

Helpful electrician job interview tips:

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

You may be asked to perform practical tasks, so make sure to bring your tools. It’s better to have them and not need them than to need them and not have them.

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 must have general liability insurance before working on electrical systems. Companies generally purchase insurance that covers their employees. Business owners and self-employed electricians are required to maintain their own insurance. If you are an electrical business owner with employees, you must provide Illinois Workers’ Compensation coverage, as well.

Electrician industry trends

Many homeowners are remodeling 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, keeping electricians safe as they perform hazardous jobs. Electricians attend electrical industry trade shows to learn about new technology and trends.

You may wish to develop skills related to alternative energy sources, such as wind farming. Although there are no wind farms currently in the Great Lakes, there is a tremendous opportunity for the development of wind farms in the state. Additionally, with the growth in demand for electrical vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my license only valid in Illinois?

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

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

The renewal schedule for your Illinois electrician license depends on the issuing municipality. Many renew every two years, but some require you to submit your renewal and supporting documents, plus the fee, in a certain month.

How do I prepare to take an Illinois electrician license exam?

We recommend studying the NEC and other materials (we’ve included helpful links above), getting plenty of hands-on experience, and being familiar with the National Electrical Code.