Application Fee
See agencyVerified by IL Board of Trades
Electrician Licensing in Illinois
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for electrician in Illinois, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 12, 2026
Exam Requirement
No exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Electrician in Illinois
Estimated timeline: 6-24 monthsCore Requirements
- License Type: Stand-alone license
- Education: No educational requirements
- Examination: No exam required
- Application Fee: See agency
- Background Check: No criminal record prohibitions
- Continuing Education: No continuing education requirement to maintain license
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$96,360 median (55% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#3 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (4)
- 1. Meet baseline eligibility requirements.
- 2. Complete approved education/training requirements.
- 3. Pass required exam(s) and submit application.
- 4. Maintain and renew license according to board rules.
Salary Insights in Illinois
With a median salary of 96,360, Electricians in Illinois earn 55% above the national median of $62,350. Illinois ranks #3 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is 6-24 months.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.1%Average Weekly Wage
$1,451Median annual salary
$96,360Hourly estimate
$46.3355% above national median
Difference: +$34,010
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationElectrician Salary Ranking
#3 of 50 statesfor Electrician median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | Oregon | 97,320 |
| #2 | Washington | 96,530 |
| #3 | Illinois | 96,360 |
| #4 | Hawaii | 83,200 |
| #5 | Massachusetts | 82,120 |
Nearby States Comparison
Electrician licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | $96,360 | No educational requirements | No exam required | 6-24 months |
| Wisconsin | $75,090 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Iowa | $62,880 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Missouri | $70,950 | Varies by state board | Choice of state or third-party exam | 6-24 months |
| Kentucky | $59,490 | Varies by state board | State exam required | 6-24 months |
| Indiana | $65,480 | Specific course required | State exam required | 6-24 months |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Illinois | 62 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Iowa | 56 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Missouri | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Kentucky | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Indiana | 54 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training • Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training
One Natural Resources Way, Springfield, IL, 62702-1271
Phone: 2177826791
Related Careers in Illinois
| Profession | Median Salary | Education | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|
| Carpenter | $76,410 | Degree required | 6-24 months |
| Elevator Installer | $130,070 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| HVAC Technician | $71,620 | Varies by state board | 6-24 months |
| Locksmith | $47,360 | Specific course required | 6-24 months |
FAQ
How long does it take to become a Electrician in Illinois?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about 6-24 months, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Electricians in Illinois?
Illinois lists No exam required as part of the licensure process for Electricians.
What education do you need to become a Electrician in Illinois?
The board typically expects No educational requirements for Electrician licensure in Illinois.
What is the typical Electrician salary in Illinois?
The median annual salary for Electricians in Illinois is 96,360. Salaries range from $48,770 (10th percentile) to $120,120 (90th percentile).
How does the Electrician salary in Illinois compare to the national average?
Electricians in Illinois earn 55% above the national median of $62,350, with a state median of 96,360.
How many Electricians work in Illinois?
Illinois employs approximately 22,880 Electricians according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Electrician license to Illinois from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: No continuing education requirement to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Electricians in Illinois?
The licensing agency is Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training / Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training / Illinois Department of Natural Resources Office of Mines and Minerals, Division of Mine Safety and Training. Review agency details at https://www.dnr.illinois.gov/mines/Pages/default.aspx.