Salary Data
Electrician Salary in Chicago
$70,000
median salary, 8% above the national average
According to Orbyt's 2026 salary analysis, the average Electrician salary in Chicago is $70,000. Salaries range from $54,000 (25th percentile) to $94,000 (75th percentile), adjusted for Chicago's cost of living.
Salary range
How Chicago compares
Chicago, IL
$70,000
Cost of living: 7% above average
National Average
$65,000
Chicago is $5,000 above
Electrician job market in Chicago
Chicago market overview
Chicago's economy is anchored by finance, manufacturing, and a rapidly expanding tech sector. The city has become a major hub for fintech, enterprise SaaS, and e-commerce. With lower living costs than coastal cities and a deep talent pool from top universities, Chicago offers strong salary to cost of living ratios for professionals across industries.
What drives Electrician salaries
License level (journeyman vs. master), union membership, and specialization are the primary factors. Industrial electricians and those working on high voltage systems earn significantly more than residential wirers. Overtime availability, geographic demand, and experience with renewable energy systems (solar, EV charging) also drive compensation upward.
Beyond base salary
Total compensation
Union electricians receive substantial benefits including pension contributions, health insurance, annuity, and apprenticeship funds that add 30 to 40% on top of hourly wages. Overtime at 1.5x to 2x the base rate is common. Non union electricians negotiate benefits individually, with more variation in total package value.
Tax considerations in Chicago
Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax. Chicago does not levy a separate city income tax, making the overall burden moderate compared to coastal metros.
Career progression
Apprentice electricians earn $35,000 to $48,000 during their four to five year training. Journeyman electricians earn $55,000 to $80,000. Master electricians command $75,000 to $105,000. Electrical contractors who start their own business or move into project management can earn $100,000 to $150,000+.
Top industries in Chicago
Negotiating in Chicago
Reference the Bay Area or NYC salary band for your role, then negotiate a modest discount. Chicago employers routinely offer 85 to 90% of coastal pay.