Quick answer: Electricians in Illinois typically bill $105–$145 per hour (2025). The median electrician earns $47.87/hr ($99,560/year) per U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data — an electrical contractor charges roughly 2–3× that to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what electricians earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Illinois compares to other states.
Electrician income in Illinois (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Illinois's ~23,120 electricians:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $23.67 | ~$4,103 | ~$49,234 |
| Median (typical) | $47.87 | ~$8,297 | $99,560 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $59.45 | ~$10,305 | ~$123,656 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a electrician takes home. What a electrical contractor bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median electrician wage (earned) | ~$48/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $105–$145/hr |
Where Illinois ranks
Illinois pays electricians 58% above the national median, ranking 2nd of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — Oregon | $48.71 |
| Illinois (2nd) | $47.87 |
| National median | $30.38 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.59 |
Electrician rates by Illinois metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median electrician wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN | $49.21/hr | $110–$150/hr |
| Champaign-Urbana | $48.23/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| South Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $39.72/hr | $85–$120/hr |
| Northwest Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $38.95/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Decatur | $38.95/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Peoria | $38.68/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| East Central Illinois nonmetropolitan area | $38.06/hr | $85–$115/hr |
What common electrical jobs cost in Illinois
At Illinois billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Illinois range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $120–$235 |
| Install outlet or switch | $200–$475 |
| Ceiling fan installation | $225–$625 |
| Panel / breaker replacement | $1,600–$3,950 |
| Whole-home rewire | $4,500–$14,000 |
| EV charger installation | $625–$1,900 |
| Light fixture installation | $150–$475 + fixture |
| Troubleshoot wiring issue | $200–$700 |
| Add a dedicated circuit | $325–$1,100 |
| Standby generator hookup | $800–$2,350 |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How electricians compare to other trades in Illinois
Here's how electrician pay lines up against Illinois's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $48.05/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Electrician | $47.87/hr | $105–$145/hr |
| Carpenter | $37.98/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Roofer | $37.45/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| HVAC technician | $37.21/hr | $80–$110/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free electrician estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do electricians need a license in Illinois?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Illinois contractor & trade licensing to check whether electricians need a state license in Illinois, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do electricians charge per hour in Illinois?
In 2025, most Illinois electricians bill $105–$145 per hour. That rate covers the worker's wage (a $48/hr median) plus overhead and profit.
What is the average electrician salary in Illinois?
The median electrician in Illinois earns about $99,560 a year ($47.87/hr). Entry-level electricians earn around $49,000 and the most experienced earn $124,000 or more.
Do electricians earn more in Illinois than nationally?
Yes — Illinois's median electrician wage is about 58% above the national median of $30.38/hr, ranking 2nd of 51 states.
Which Illinois city pays electricians the most?
Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN, at a $49.21/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes.