Electrician in Evanston, IL

Here is a comprehensive career guide for Electricians considering a move to Evanston, IL.

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The Salary Picture: Where Evanston Stands

As a local, I can tell you that the numbers for electricians in Evanston are solid, but context is everything. You’re not just comparing to a national average; you’re weighing it against the cost of living in a Chicago suburb that’s got a unique mix of urban amenities and residential charm.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and local market data, the median salary for electricians in the Evanston metropolitan area is $62,030 annually. This translates to an hourly wage of $29.82/hour. To put this in perspective, it sits slightly above the national median of $61,550. The metro area supports about 225 jobs for electricians, and the 10-year job growth projection is 11%, which is faster than the national average for many trades, driven by the ongoing need for electrical upgrades in older homes and new commercial developments.

Local insight: That 225 number might seem small, but it's deceptive. It refers to the immediate Evanston metro area. Most electricians I know who live here work throughout the broader Chicago metro area, expanding their potential job pool into the thousands. Evanston is a commuter hub, and your license will be in high demand in neighboring Rogers Park, Wilmette, and downtown Chicago.

Experience-Level Breakdown

While the median is $62,030, your actual earnings will vary significantly based on your hours, specialization, and union affiliation (like IBEW Local 134). Here’s a realistic breakdown for the Evanston area:

Experience Level	Typical Hourly Rate	Annual Salary Estimate (Full-Time)
Entry-Level (0-2 years, apprentice)	$22 - $28	$45,760 - $58,240
Mid-Level (Journeyman, 3-7 years)	$32 - $42	$66,560 - $87,360
Senior-Level (Master, 8+ years, supervisory)	$45 - $60+	$93,600+
Expert/Specialist (Licensed Master, niche skills)	$55 - $75+	$114,400+

Comparison to Other IL Cities

How does Evanston stack up against other Illinois hubs for electricians?

City	Median Salary	Cost of Living Index (US Avg = 100)	Notes
Evanston	$62,030	102.6	High demand, competitive market.
Chicago	$65,420	106.5	Slightly higher pay, but much higher COL and competition.
Joliet	$58,100	92.5	Lower cost of living, lower pay.
Springfield	$59,300	88.4	State capital, steady government work.
Champaign	$57,800	85.9	College town, seasonal fluctuations.

Local Insight: While Chicago pays marginally more, living in Evanston offers a strategic advantage. You can access Chicago's union wages and high-rise projects while returning to a more residential, community-focused environment. The commute via the CTA Purple Line or Metra makes this seamless.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let’s get down to brass tacks. A $62,030 salary sounds good, but in Evanston, it’s essential to calculate your real take-home pay after taxes and one of your biggest expenses: rent.

Assumptions for a single filer in Illinois:

• Federal Tax: ~12%
• State Tax: 4.95%
• FICA (Social Security & Medicare): 7.65%
• Estimated Net Annual Pay (after taxes): ~$46,800
• Estimated Monthly Take-Home Pay: ~$3,900

Monthly Budget Breakdown (Single Electrician, Median Salary):

Expense Category	Estimated Cost	Notes
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,231	Varies by neighborhood (see below).
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Internet)	$200	Evanston is cold; gas/heating costs are a factor.
Groceries & Household	$450
Transportation (Car + Insurance)	$400	Essential in Evanston; CTA/Metra costs add up if you commute.
Healthcare/Insurance	$300	Varies by employer.
Retirement Savings (IRA/401k)	$300	Highly recommended.
Remaining for Discretionary	$1,020	Food, entertainment, savings, etc.

Can an Electrician earning the median salary afford to buy a home in Evanston?
The short answer is: it’s a challenge for a single income at the median level. The median home price in Evanston is approximately $450,000. With a 20% down payment ($90,000), a mortgage payment (including taxes and insurance) would easily exceed $2,500/month. This would consume over 60% of your take-home pay, which is unsustainable.

Insider Tip: The path to homeownership here for a solo tradesperson is a 2-to-4 unit building. Many older buildings in Evanston are zoned for multi-family. Living in one unit and renting the others can make the math work. This is a common strategy for tradespeople in this region.

Where the Jobs Are: Evanston's Major Employers

Evanston’s job market for electricians is stable and diverse. The work isn’t driven by one single industry but by a mix of institutional, residential, and commercial needs. Here are the key employers and sectors:

1. Northwestern University: As a massive, 24/7 operation with historic buildings, new labs, and residential halls, NU is a constant source of work. They employ in-house electricians and contract with major local firms. Hiring trends show a push toward energy efficiency and smart building integrations.

2. NorthShore University HealthSystem (Evanston Hospital): Major healthcare facilities are electrical powerhouses. They require specialized, licensed electricians for life-support systems, backup generators, and complex wiring. They often hire union electricians for large projects.

3. Evanston Public Schools: A network of over 20 schools means constant upkeep, safety upgrades (lighting, security systems), and modernization projects. This is steady, predictable work for journeyman electricians.

4. Commercial Construction Firms: Firms like Lendlease, Clark Construction, and W.E. O'Neil frequently work on Evanston projects, from the new commercial developments downtown to renovations. These are prime sources for union apprenticeship and high-paying project work.

5. Residential & Retrofit Specialists: With a housing stock of over 90% pre-1970s, there’s immense demand for electrical panel upgrades, knob-and-tube replacement, and smart home installations. Local companies like Geneva Electric and Evanston Electric are always hiring licensed journeymen.

6. Municipal & Utility Work: The City of Evanston itself hires electricians for public works, and ComEd has a major presence. These jobs offer excellent benefits and job security but are highly competitive.

Hiring Trend Insight: The biggest growth area is in energy efficiency and EV charging infrastructure. Many older buildings are retrofitting for solar and EV chargers. Getting certified in these areas (like NABCEP for solar) can significantly boost your earning potential.

Getting Licensed in Illinois

You cannot work as an electrician in Evanston (or anywhere in Illinois) without the proper state license. The process is managed by the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR).

Requirements to become a Licensed Electrician in Illinois:

1. Apprenticeship (4 years, 8,000 hours): You must complete a registered electrical apprenticeship program. The most prominent is through the Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee (JATC) for IBEW Local 134 (covers the Chicago area, including Evanston). Non-union apprenticeships exist but are less common.
2. Classroom Instruction: Alongside on-the-job training, you’ll complete classroom hours (approx. 560 over 4 years).
3. Examination: After completing your apprenticeship, you must pass the State of Illinois Electrical Examination to obtain your Journeyman Electrician License.
4. Master Electrician License: To pull permits or run your own business, you need a Master License, which requires 4 additional years of experience as a journeyman plus another exam.

Costs & Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: Typically, you earn while you learn. Wages start lower but increase annually. There may be modest tuition costs for the classroom portion.
• Exam Fees: ~$100-$150 for the state exam.
• Licensing Fees: ~$150 for journeyman license.
• Timeline: From starting as an apprentice to holding a journeyman license is typically 4-5 years.

Local Insight: The IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship is the gold standard in the Chicago area. It’s competitive and requires a strong application, including math tests and interviews. The benefits (pension, healthcare) are exceptional. If you’re not already union, it’s worth researching their application cycle.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live affects your commute, lifestyle, and budget. Evanston is diverse, and each neighborhood has a different feel.

1. Downtown Evanston: Close to the action, restaurants, and the CTA Purple Line. Best for those who want a walkable, urban lifestyle. Commute to Chicago jobs is easy.

• Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,500 - $1,800

2. Northeast Evanston (near Lee Street): Quieter, more residential, with older homes. Good for families or those who want space. Close to the lake.

• Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,300 - $1,500

3. South Evanston: More affordable, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Good access to the Edens Expressway (I-94) for car commuting to construction sites in the suburbs.

• Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,100 - $1,300 (close to the median).

4. West Evanston (around Main Street): Trendy, with new developments and older buildings. Good balance of city feel and residential calm. Strong community vibe.

• Rent Estimate (1BR): $1,400 - $1,600

Insider Tip: For a tradesperson with tools, South Evanston offers the best value and practical upside. You’ll find more parking, slightly larger units for your gear, and easier highway access for service calls throughout the North Shore and Chicago.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Electricians in Evanston have a clear path for advancement, but it requires proactive specialization.

• Specialty Premiums:

  • Industrial & Controls: +15-25% over base. Common in manufacturing plants around the Chicago metro.
  • Low-Voltage & Data: +10-20%. Smart homes, security, and network cabling.
  • Solar & Renewable Energy: +15-30%. High demand, but project-based.
  • Fire Alarm & Life Safety Systems: +10-20%. Required by code in all large buildings.

• Advancement Paths:

  1. Journeyman Electrician -> Foreman (project management, team leadership).
  2. Journeyman -> Project Estimator (office-based, requires software skills).
  3. Master Electrician -> Business Owner (start your own contracting firm).
  4. Union Path -> Business Manager or Training Director for IBEW Local 134.

10-Year Outlook (11% Growth): The growth is solid. The drivers are:

• Aging Infrastructure: Chicago’s grid and Evanston’s building stock need constant upkeep.
• Electrification: EVs and the push for electrification (heat pumps) will require panel upgrades and new circuits.
• Skilled Labor Gap: As older electricians retire, demand for new, licensed journeymen will intensify, likely pushing wages upward.

Local Insight: The most successful electricians I know in this area don’t just wire houses; they learn the business side. They understand permitting, material costs, and client relations. This is what separates a good electrician from a great business owner.

The Verdict: Is Evanston Right for You?

Let’s weigh the pros and cons based on the data and local experience.

Pros	Cons
Strong, diverse employer base (University, healthcare, residential).	High cost of living relative to salary; homeownership is a stretch for a single income.
Proximity to Chicago for high-paying union jobs and diverse projects.	Competitive market; you need to be skilled and licensed to stand out.
Stable, long-term job growth (11%) in a secure industry.	Winters are harsh; outdoor work can be challenging, affecting some project timelines.
Good quality of life with a mix of urban amenities and suburban calm.	Traffic and commute can be dense during peak hours.
Path to business ownership is viable due to aging housing stock.	Licensing process is time-intensive and requires significant initial commitment.

Final Recommendation:
Evanston is an excellent choice for a mid-career electrician or a dedicated apprentice looking for long-term stability and a high quality of life. It’s not the easiest place to start from scratch financially, but the career trajectory is strong. If you can get into the IBEW apprenticeship or secure a position with a reputable local contractor, you can build a solid career and potentially a business here.

Who it’s for: A tradesperson who values community, wants access to major urban projects without living in a dense city, and is willing to invest in long-term licensing and specialization.

FAQs

1. Do I need a Chicago license to work in Evanston?
No. You need a State of Illinois Journeyman or Master Electrician License. Evanston, like most Chicago suburbs, honors the state license. However, pulling permits for specific projects may require the electrician or their contracting firm to be registered with the City of Evanston.

2. Is union membership necessary in Evanston?
It’s not necessary, but it’s highly advantageous. The IBEW Local 134 has a strong presence in the Chicago area. Union jobs typically offer higher wages, better benefits (pension, healthcare), and more training opportunities. Many large commercial and institutional projects are union-only. Many non-union shops are also reputable and competitive.

3. How do I break into the market as a new electrician?
The best path is the IBEW Local 134 apprenticeship. The application process is rigorous. Alternatively, contact local non-union contractors directly. Start by getting your Electrical Construction & Maintenance Certificate from a local community college (like Oakton College) to bolster your resume. Always be honest about your experience and eagerness to learn.

4. What’s the biggest challenge for electricians in Evanston?
Extreme weather and tight schedules. The cold winters can delay outdoor work and service calls. Additionally, navigating the complex permit process for historic homes or high-density buildings requires patience and attention to detail. Mastering the local codes and building relationships with city inspectors is a crucial skill.

5. Can I commute to Chicago for work while living in Evanston?
Absolutely. It’s a reverse commute. Many electricians live in Evanston and take the CTA Purple Line or Metra to downtown Chicago for union jobs or large commercial projects. The commute is often faster than from many other suburbs. The key is to factor in the cost and time of your daily transit or parking.

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Data Sources: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), Zillow Rental Market, Numbeo Cost of Living Index, IBEW Local 134 JATC.