If you have an affinity for breaking down electrical systems and components and trying to understand how they work, a career as an electrician in Illinois might be an incredible option.
Luckily, starting a career in this occupation is quite direct, as you will find out below. One of the most important things to do on your journey is to get a clear picture of what is to come before you even start. Thankfully, that is exactly what this article provides.
Below, we will examine some of Illinois’s most crucial steps to becoming an electrician. You will find out the basic educational requirements, possible certification and licensing options, and the state’s top electrician programs.
How to Become an Electrician in Illinois
To become an electrician in Illinois, you must graduate from a training program. Luckily, this doesn’t necessarily have to be an institutional program run by a college or trade school. It is also possible to graduate from an apprenticeship program.
Of course, either is fine, but those looking for an easier path toward getting a job may consider obtaining a degree before seeking employment.
Basic Requirements
Enrolling in a training program — be it an apprenticeship or an institutional one — is usually advisable to have your high school diploma or GED ready. Candidates must also be at least 17 to apply for most of these programs.
Vocational Schools vs Apprenticeships
Vocational schools and college-run electrician training programs create technically sound electricians with a strong foundation in theoretical principles. Most of these programs also encourage students to acquire hands-on training and real-world experience by working with companies as interns before graduation.
Apprenticeship programs allow aspiring electricians to work with established master electricians in real-world workshops and external locations. Some apprenticeship programs also help with job placement after the programs are done.
Most apprenticeships take 4 or 5 years to complete.
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Top Electrician Schools in Illinois
Below are some of the most notable electrician schools in Illinois.
1. City Colleges of Chicago - Richard J Daley College
One of the qualities that make the City Colleges of Chicago -Richard J Daley College a premier destination for aspiring electricians in Illinois is their emphasis on rigorous training and maintaining a perfect balance between classroom training and hands-on instruction.
Accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission, the school’s Electrical Construction Technology program is a partnership between multiple organizations, including the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust, which consists of the National Electrical Contractors Association and the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers Local Union 134.
2. College of DuPage County
College of DuPage County in DuPage offers an associate-level Electronics Technology program at its Glen Ellyn campus for aspiring electricians in DuPage County and all over the state.
The program is known for its high quality and relatively low tuition cost.
The North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission accredits the College of DuPage County.
3. Parkland College
Parkland College in Champaign, Illinois, offers a certificate program in Electrical Power geared toward producing highly competent graduates who can think outside the box and solve problems quickly.
The school is accredited by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools Higher Learning Commission and is welcoming of students in and out of Illinois.
Notable Mentions
Other notable mentions include Joliet Junior College in Joliet, Kishwaukee College in Malta, Lincoln College of Technology in Melrose Park, Prairie State College in Chicago, Triton College in River Grove, Richland Community College in Decatur, and Illinois Valley Community College in Oglesby.
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Licensure and Certification Requirements
Even though electricians in Illinois are expected to be licensed, licensure must be handled statewide. Instead, it is up to each city or municipality to establish its licensing guidelines.
For instance, electricians in Chicago are expected to sit for the supervising electrician certification exam. This exam allows electricians in the city to secure employment under a licensed electrical contractor. It is the equivalent of a journeyman electrician license.
This license must be renewed between 1 to 4 years.
Unlike Chicago, many other municipalities tend to do away with the journeyman license entirely and provide only electrical contractor licenses.
Salary and Job Outlook
Aspiring electricians in Illinois can look forward to an annual average salary of $63,177, which is slightly higher than the national average for other states. This figure can get as high as $91,892 for established electricians.
Entry-level workers starting often begin with an annual average salary of around $43,435. Overtime earning of up to $9,438 per year is also possible.
The highest-paying cities for electricians in Illinois are Arlington Heights, Melrose Park, and Bensenville, with annual average salaries of $101,359, $72,991, and $70,639, respectively.
Electricians in Chicago earn an annual average salary of $65,599.
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