Electrician salary in Chicago, IL
Median pay, Chicago metro
$102,350/year
about $49.21 an hour full-time
Middle half earns $74,400 – $118,660
Half of electricians in the Chicago metro area earn more than $102,350 a year and half earn less. That's 62% higher than the national median of $63,190, and ranks #2 of the 30 big metro areas we track for this job.
Pay range
| Percentile | Yearly | Hourly* |
|---|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $49,890 | $23.99 |
| 25th | $74,400 | $35.77 |
| Median (50th) | $102,350 | $49.21 |
| 75th | $118,660 | $57.05 |
| 90th (top earners) | $124,070 | $59.65 |
*Yearly pay divided by 2,080 hours (40 hours × 52 weeks), the full-time basis BLS uses.
Is your offer fair?
For a electrician job in the Chicago metro area, here's how an offer compares:
- Below market under $74,400 ($35.77/hr). Fine for a first job in the field, otherwise worth negotiating.
- Typical $74,400 to $118,660 ($35.77 to $57.05/hr). The middle half of what people in this job earn.
- Strong offer over $118,660 ($57.05/hr). Higher than three quarters of workers here.
Before you accept
- Pay usually rises with license level (apprentice, journeyman, master). Make sure the offer matches yours.
- Union and non-union roles can pay differently, especially once benefits and pensions are counted.
- Ask whether travel time, tools and overtime are paid.
Also watch for the common warning signs in the posting itself: 15 job posting red flags.
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, 2025, Chicago metro. Occupation: Electricians (SOC 47-2111). Figures cover wage and salary workers and don't include bonuses, benefits or overtime.