Electrician Responsibilties:
Install, maintain, and repair electrical wiring, equipment, and fixtures. Ensure that work is in accordance with relevant codes. May install or service street lights, intercom systems, or electrical control systems.
Electrician Benefits:
Electricians enjoy stable careers with competitive salaries, overtime, and benefits in a growing industry. The field offers clear paths for advancement, from apprentice to master electrician, with corresponding pay increases.
Illinois Electrician Licensing
If you are an electrician in Illinois, it is important to note that you must hold a proper license in order to undertake any residential or commercial electrical work.
In Illinois, there are two main types of electrical licenses: journeyman electrician and electrical contractor.
Journeyman electricians supervise apprentice electricians and are responsible for repairing wires and installing electrical control systems in various settings such as homes, schools, churches, stores, and apartment buildings. To become a journeyman electrician in Illinois, applicants must:
Electrical contractors are licensed professionals who specialize in repairing, inspecting, and installing electrical systems. They oversee both apprentice electricians and journeyman electricians. To become an electrical contractor in Illinois, applicants must:
In Illinois, electrical licenses are issued at the local level. For information regarding fees and any additional licensing requirements, it is advisable to contact the local electrician licensing board. All licenses issued in Illinois adhere to the state guidelines, allowing licensees to carry out electrical work across the state. The average hourly pay for electricians in Illinois is $25.16.
For more information about electrician salaries by state, you can visit this link.
Electrician Apprenticeship Programs in Illinois:
Apprenticeship Program Prerequisites:
On-the-Job Experience:
Illinois Electrical License Information:
Illinois Electrician Examination Content:
Examination Study Resources:
Remember, you are required to enroll in an electrician apprenticeship program before you can sit for a journeyman examination in Illinois. However, you can work as an apprentice without possessing a license. After completing a minimum of four years as an apprentice, you become eligible to apply for a journeyman license. Once you meet the minimum qualifications, apply for an electrical contractor license. Illinois electrician apprenticeships offer a competitive salary, classroom training, and on-the-job electrical work opportunities. Companies and unions sponsoring apprenticeships generally cover the costs. If you choose to 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.
In Illinois, being part of the electrical occupation and a member of a union can offer several benefits:
Being part of a union in the electrical occupation in Illinois provides a strong support system and various perks for its members.
Finding the right electrical job requires a strategic plan. Here are some tips to help you get hired for your next job:
Working with electrical systems can be hazardous, with various risks involved such as extreme temperatures, electrical burns, fires, and UV radiation.
In order to ensure safety and protection, it is mandatory for all electricians in Illinois to have general liability insurance before commencing work on any electrical systems.
Typically, companies provide insurance coverage for their employees, whereas business owners and self-employed electricians must obtain and maintain their own insurance policies.
In Illinois, many homeowners are opting to remodel their older homes rather than purchasing new ones. They hire electrical professionals to install energy-efficient lighting systems and rewire their homes.
Electricians in the state are also benefiting from the integration of smart technology into electrical tools, which helps to increase safety while performing hazardous tasks. To stay updated on the latest technology and trends, electricians attend electrical industry trade shows.
If you want to learn more about electrical industry trade shows, you can visit this page.
If you are an electrical worker in Illinois, it's important to note that there are no reciprocity agreements with other states. So, if you plan to work outside of Illinois, you may need to meet specific requirements set by the state you wish to work in.
Additionally, in case you need to make any changes such as updating your name or address, or if you happen to misplace your card, you should contact your local electrical licensing board for assistance.
If you work in the electrical field in Illinois, it is important to know that your license needs to be renewed every two years. The renewal fee for your Illinois electrical license is $60.
See all jobs, apprenticeships, and trade schools
Want to get into this trade?
Find jobs near you