Are you looking for a hands-on, high-demand career that doesn’t require a college degree? According to BLS, employment of electricians is anticipated to grow 9% through 2034 — that’s more than double the average.
If you enjoy solving problems and working with your hands, becoming an electrician could be a great choice for you. This article covers the daily responsibilities and job opportunities and outlines how to start your electrician career in Illinois.
What is an Electrician?
Electricians install, maintain and repair electrical power, communication systems, lighting and control systems in residential, commercial and industrial settings. The specific duties vary depending on experience level, and whether the individual is an apprentice, journeyman or master electrician.
Types of Electricians
Apprentice Electrician
Apprentice electricians train under licensed professionals for roughly three to six years, combining classroom instruction with valuable on-the-job training.
While apprenticeship programs may be recognized at a state level, it’s important to note that Illinois does not have a statewide electrician license. Any required licenses or certifications are typically handled at the local (county or municipal) level.
In Illinois, most apprenticeships require individuals to meet the following requirements :
- Be at least 18 years old
- Possess a high school diploma or GED
- Have reliable transportation
- Be physically fit for the work
- Complete and pass an algebra and aptitude test
Journeyman Electrician
To become a Journeyman Electrician in Illinois, you need both classroom training and hands-on experience. This can be achieved by completing a program at a trade school and receiving on-the-job training through an apprenticeship.
After fulfilling these requirements, you must pass a local licensing exam, as Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license. These exams are administered by individual counties or municipalities, so requirements and fees vary by location. Passing the local exam grants you the necessary credential to work on electrical projects in that specific jurisdiction.
Wireman (Residential, Inside, and Outside)
When it comes to being a wireman, there are three distinct paths you could take in your career. These paths include:
- Residential wireman—focused on homes
- Inside wireman—focused on commercial and industrial buildings
- Installation technician—focused on low-volt applications, such as communication wires
Residential Wireman
These electricians specialize in installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems within homes and small commercial buildings. They primarily work with lower voltages (120V/208V/240V) for lighting, outlets, appliances, and home automation, ensuring work complies with residential codes. Their work is typically indoors, involving tasks like running wiring, installing fixtures, and troubleshooting residential electrical issues.
Inside Wireman
Focusing on commercial, industrial, and institutional buildings, they handle complex electrical systems for a wide range of equipment. They install and maintain power distribution, lighting, control systems, and industrial machinery, often working with higher building voltages and installing conduit. Their work requires in-depth knowledge of commercial/industrial standards and can involve demanding tasks at heights or in large facilities.
Installation Technician
Installation Technicians are typically responsible for the installation or repair of cables and wires used in electrical power or distribution systems. They often work in challenging or hazardous conditions, handling high-voltage electricity and working at great heights. Most technicians undergo extensive on-the-job training combined with technical instruction, ensuring they have the expertise to perform their work safely and effectively.
Master Electrician
Illinois does not offer a state-level ‘Master Electrician’ license, but there are still ways to advance your career as a Journeyman Electrician.
The next step is typically to pursue a Supervising Electrician or Electrical Contractor license issued by a specific municipality or county.
You generally need two to four years of verifiable experience as a licensed journeyman from that jurisdiction and to complete a comprehensive, rigorous local exam that demonstrates an advanced understanding of electrical systems, design, and specific local codes.
Licensed Electrician
In Illinois, the term “licensed electrician” refers to an individual who has met the specific training, experience, and examination requirements to legally perform electrical work within a local municipality.
There is no single statewide electrician license issued by the State of Illinois. Instead, licenses are issued by individual cities, counties, or municipalities. After finishing training at a trade school or through an apprenticeship, and passing the local electrical exam, you would be licensed to complete electrical work within that local jurisdiction.
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What are the Job Responsibilities of an Electrician?
Electricians perform a wide range of tasks, including:
- Read blueprints and technical diagrams
- Install and maintain wiring, control and lighting systems
- Inspect electrical components, such as transformers and circuit breakers
- Identify electrical problems using a variety of testing devices
- Repair or replace wiring, equipment or fixtures using hand tools and power tools
- Follow state and local building regulations based on the National Electrical Code
- Direct and train workers to install, maintain or repair electrical wiring or equipment
Where do Electricians Work?
Electricians work in a variety of environments, from homes and businesses, to factories and construction sites. They may work indoors or outdoors and often travel between different job locations.
It is important to note, electrician work can be physically demanding. Some jobs will require long periods of standing, kneeling or working in confined spaces. Additionally, in some work environments electricians may be exposed to dust, debris, fumes or inclement weather conditions. Most positions are full-time and may include evening, weekend or overtime hours.
What is the Job Outlook for an Electrician in Illinois?
Illinois projects about 2,000 job openings per year for electricians in the state through 2034.
Electrician job growth projections:
- Illinois: 10% increase in employment by 2034
- Nationally: 9% increase over the same period
What is the Average Salary of an Electrician in Illinois?
Electricians in Illinois earn significantly more than the national average, reflecting the high demand for licensed electricians. While the national median wage is over $62,000, Illinois electricians typically see higher earnings. The annual mean wage for electricians in Illinois is listed at $88,040.
How to Become an Electrician in Illinois
Enrolling in an electrician training program can be a great first step toward becoming an electrician. At Midwest Technical Institute, you can complete the Electrician Training Program in 7 months.
MTI’s electrician training program includes:
- Hands-on training in labs that simulate real working environments
- Instruction from experienced electrician professionals
- Preparation for entry-level employment
After completing your training, you’ll be prepared to take licensing exams.
Keep in mind that Illinois does not issue a statewide electrician license, and licensing is handled at the local level. Exam requirements, fees and certifications vary by city and county.
Start your Path to Becoming an Electrician
With strong job projections and competitive wages, becoming an electrician in Illinois could be the career for you!
Start your journey with MTI’s Electrician Training Program. Schedule a tour and connect with the Admissions Team to take the next step toward your future!
Sources
- https://www.libertyville.com/157/Electrical-Licensing-Information
- https://www.chicago.gov/city/en/depts/bldgs/supp_info/TLdetails/ELcontractor.html
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-2
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-3
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-6
- https://www.bls.gov/ooh/construction-and-extraction/electricians.htm#tab-5
- https://www.bls.gov/oes/2023/may/oes_il.htm
- https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/StateAndLocal/ProjectedEmployment.aspx?soccode=472111&location=Illinois
- https://data.bls.gov/oes/#/area/1700000
