Chicago, IL Summary
Comprehensive 2026 analysis of electrician salary trends in Chicago, IL, featuring an average annual wage of $74,239 ($35.69/hr) per Glassdoor, with IBEW Local 134 union scale driving journeyman pay well above the citywide open-shop average. Apprentices earn $38K-$60K, journeymen $70K-$100K open-shop (Local 134 union scale ~$120K), and master electricians $95K-$140K.
Salary Overview
Compared to National Average: Chicago electricians earn about $74,239 per year ($35.69/hr) per Glassdoor (citywide average across union and non-union), approximately 19% above the BLS national median electrician wage of $62,350.
Note: IBEW Local 134 journeymen earn substantially more, about $120K per Glassdoor's union-specific survey.
Comparable Metro Area Salary Analysis
Comparable to Philadelphia ($74,362), Washington D.C. ($77,543), and Denver ($76,968); below Seattle ($87,255), New York City ($84,885), Los Angeles ($83,039), San Diego ($80,888), San Jose ($91,942), and San Francisco ($101,596); above Charlotte ($70,624) and Austin ($69,906). All figures per Glassdoor 2026.
Factors Influencing Local Salary
- IBEW Local 134 union dominance
- Commercial construction and infrastructure demand
- Licensing requirements (apprentice, journeyman, master)
- High cost of living
- Prevailing wage laws on public projects
Salary by Career Stage
- Apprentice (Entry-Level): $38K-$60K
- Journeyman (open-shop): $70K-$100K
- Journeyman (IBEW Local 134 union scale): ~$120K base (~$57.75/hr) + benefits
- Master (Senior): $95K-$140K
Job Outlook and Market Trends
Projected 9% national job growth through 2034 per BLS, with Illinois expected at a similar rate. Chicago demand is boosted by O'Hare's $8.5B expansion, EV manufacturing (Rivian, Stellantis), data centers, and lead-service-line replacements. In-demand specialties: industrial and renewable energy.
Guidance for Professionals and Employers
Field service owners: Set billable rates at $150-$200/hr to cover $50-$60/hr journeyman wages, 30-40% overhead, and a 20% profit margin amid union competition. Offer take-home vehicles and signing bonuses to attract non-union talent.
Job seekers: Join IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship for structured raises to $120K+; target O'Hare and EV projects for premium pay.
Cost of Living Context
Chicago's high housing costs (1 bedroom rent ~$1,507) and an 11.4% effective tax rate reduce the $74,239 median salary take-home to about $4,800/mo. However, union total packages ($100+/hr) and a 4.95% flat state income tax provide stronger purchasing power than CA or NY; suburbs offer better affordability.
Popular Benefits Offered
- Comprehensive health & welfare ($11.65/hr contribution)
- Pension plans (Local 134 #2 $11.25/hr, #5 $7.10/hr)
- Annuity/NEIB ($1/hr)
- Paid training via EJATT
- Vacation/SUB funds
- Take-home vehicles (common in non-union)
