Salary distribution
Where Chicago electricians fall on the wage curve.
Shaded band = interquartile range (where most full-time workers fall)
The middle 50% of workers earn between $70,360 and $113,580, with a median of $99,540.
Typical entry
Education
High school diploma
Experience
None
On-the-job training
Apprenticeship
Top skills (O*NET)
- 4.0 / 5
Near Vision
Ability
- 4.0 / 5
Troubleshooting
Technical
- 4.0 / 5
Problem Sensitivity
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Inductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.9 / 5
Deductive Reasoning
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Oral Comprehension
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Information Ordering
Ability
- 3.8 / 5
Finger Dexterity
Ability
Common tasks (O*NET)
- 01
Prepare sketches or follow blueprints to determine the location of wiring or equipment and to ensure conformance to building and safety codes.
- 02
Place conduit, pipes, or tubing, inside designated partitions, walls, or other concealed areas, and pull insulated wires or cables through the conduit to complete circuits between boxes.
- 03
Work from ladders, scaffolds, or roofs to install, maintain, or repair electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures.
- 04
Use a variety of tools or equipment, such as power construction equipment, measuring devices, power tools, and testing equipment, such as oscilloscopes, ammeters, or test lamps.
- 05
Assemble, install, test, or maintain electrical or electronic wiring, equipment, appliances, apparatus, or fixtures, using hand tools or power tools.
- 06
Maintain current electrician's license or identification card to meet governmental regulations.
- 07
Connect wires to circuit breakers, transformers, or other components.
- 08
Plan layout and installation of electrical wiring, equipment, or fixtures, based on job specifications and local codes.
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Explore coursesFrequently asked questions
- What is the median salary for Electricians in Chicago, Illinois?
- According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, the median annual wage for Electricians in the Chicago metropolitan area is $99,540.
- Does Chicago pay more than the Illinois state average for Electricians?
- The Chicago metro median is +3.3% versus the Illinois state median of $96,360.
- How does Chicago compare to the national median for Electricians?
- The Chicago metro median is +48.2% versus the BLS national figure of $67,159.
- What is the salary range for Electricians in Chicago?
- BLS reports the 10th-percentile annual wage at $50,310 and the 90th-percentile at $120,770 for the Chicago metro area.
- What education is required for Electricians?
- BLS lists the typical entry-level education as High school diploma. Many employers also weigh prior experience and credentials.
Information on this page is for general educational purposes only. It is not career, financial, or tax advice. BLS metro estimates reflect the Chicago CBSA boundary for the reference year shown and may not match individual offers, employer-specific ranges, or current market conditions. Confirm with a licensed professional before making career or compensation decisions.