Electrician in Waukegan, IL

A Career Analyst's Guide for Electricians in Waukegan, IL

So, you're an electrician thinking about Waukegan, IL. Maybe you’re looking for a better cost of living than Chicago, or a steady market with industrial roots. As someone who’s analyzed this city’s job market for years, I can tell you Waukegan isn’t just a suburb of Chicago—it’s a distinct industrial and residential hub with its own economy, driven by manufacturing, healthcare, and a revitalizing lakefront. It’s a place where skilled trades are in demand, but you need to understand the local landscape to make it work. This guide is built on hard data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the Illinois Department of Financial and Professional Regulation (IDFPR), and local market observations. Let’s get to the numbers and the neighborhoods.

The Salary Picture: Where Waukegan Stands

First, let's talk money. Waukegan sits in the Lake County, IL metro area, which has a solid market for electricians. The median salary here is $62,030/year, which translates to an hourly rate of $29.82/hour. This is slightly above the national average of $61,550/year, which is a positive sign for the local market. It suggests that Waukegan employers are willing to pay competitively to attract and retain skilled labor. The metro area supports 267 jobs for electricians, indicating a stable, if not massive, job pool.

Insider Tip: The 11% 10-year job growth for this metro is a key metric. It outpaces the national average for many trades, signaling that demand for electricians in Waukegan and surrounding Lake County is expected to grow steadily over the next decade. This growth is largely tied to ongoing industrial maintenance, new residential developments in the suburbs, and the constant need to upgrade older electrical infrastructure in homes and commercial buildings.

Here’s how that salary breaks down by experience level. These are estimated ranges based on national and metro area trends for licensed electricians.

Experience Level	Estimated Annual Salary	Key Responsibilities & Notes
Entry-Level (0-2 years)	$42,000 - $52,000	Apprenticeship work, basic installations, conduit bending. Often under direct supervision.
Mid-Level (3-7 years)	$55,000 - $70,000	Journeyman-level work, troubleshooting complex systems, independent project management.
Senior (8-15 years)	$70,000 - $85,000+	Master electrician duties, industrial controls, estimator/foreman roles, mentoring apprentices.
Expert (15+ years)	$85,000+	Specialized niches (e.g., high-voltage, data centers, renewables), business ownership, consulting.

How Waukegan Compares to Other Illinois Cities:

• Chicago: Higher median salaries (~$75,000+) but significantly higher cost of living and longer commutes. The job market is larger and more competitive.
• Rockford: Similar median salary range but a different industrial base (more aerospace and manufacturing). The cost of living is often lower than Waukegan's.
• Springfield: State capital jobs can offer stability, but salaries may be slightly lower than the Lake County metro. Competition for state contract work is fierce.
• Elgin: Very comparable to Waukegan in both pay and cost of living, with a strong manufacturing sector. It's a direct competitor for the same talent pool.

Waukegan hits a sweet spot: it offers pay that's competitive with other Illinois metros without the extreme cost pressure of downtown Chicago.

The Real Take-Home: After Taxes and Rent

Let's get practical. A $62,030 median salary sounds good, but what does it mean for your monthly budget in Waukegan? Here’s a breakdown for a single person filing as "Head of Household" (common for many tradespeople). This is an estimate, and actual take-home pay varies based on benefits, 401(k) contributions, and exact tax situations.

Item	Estimated Monthly Cost	Notes
Gross Monthly Pay	$5,169	$62,030 / 12
Taxes (Fed, State, FICA)	~$1,150 - $1,300	Roughly 22-25% of gross. Illinois has a flat 4.95% state income tax.
Net Take-Home Pay	~$3,869 - $4,019	After taxes, before deductions.
Rent (1BR Average)	$1,231	The city average. Your specific neighborhood will vary.
Utilities (Electric, Gas, Water)	$150 - $250	Higher in older buildings; winters can be costly due to heating.
Groceries & Essentials	$400 - $500	Based on USDA moderate-cost food plans.
Transportation (Gas, Insurance, Maintenance)	$250 - $400	Highly dependent on commute distance and vehicle.
Remaining Discretionary Income	$1,438 - $1,638	For savings, debt, entertainment, and other goals.

The Homeownership Question: Can an electrician earning the median salary afford to buy a home in Waukegan? Let's look at the numbers. The median home price in Waukegan is approximately $250,000. With a 20% down payment ($50,000), a 30-year mortgage at 6.5% interest would result in a monthly payment (principal & interest) of around $1,355. Add property taxes (Lake County has higher rates, roughly $5,000/year or $417/month), and you're at $1,772/month. Add homeowners insurance ($100/month) and you're near $1,872.

Insider Tip: A $1,872 monthly housing payment is a significant portion of the $3,869 - $4,019 net take-home pay. It's tight but possible with a disciplined budget, especially as a dual-income household. For a single earner, it's a stretch at the median salary. However, the 11% job growth and potential for higher earnings with specialization or overtime make homeownership a realistic 5-10 year goal, not an immediate impossibility. Many electricians here partner with a spouse or invest in side work to bridge the gap.

Where the Jobs Are: Waukegan's Major Employers

Waukegan's job market is anchored in manufacturing, healthcare, and public infrastructure. The competition for the best jobs is real, but knowing the key players gives you an edge.

1. Waukegan Public Schools (District 60): A major employer for in-house electricians. These positions offer stability, good benefits, and pension plans. They handle maintenance for over 20 buildings. Hiring is often seasonal (summer projects) but full-time roles do open up. It’s a coveted gig for work-life balance.

2. Lake County Government: The county maintains its own facilities, courthouses, and infrastructure. They hire electricians for maintenance roles. The pay is competitive with the private sector, and benefits are excellent. Check the Lake County Government jobs portal regularly.

3. Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital (and affiliated clinics in Waukegan): While the main hospital is in Lake Forest, the healthcare network has a significant presence in Waukegan. Hospitals are 24/7 operations requiring specialized electricians for medical equipment power, backup systems, and life safety systems. This is a niche with premium pay and high demand.

4. Local Manufacturing Giants (e.g., Johnson Controls, TMD Technologies Plant): Waukegan has a long history of manufacturing. Companies like Johnson Controls (which has a facility in nearby Libertyville but employs many Waukegan residents) and TMD Technologies need industrial electricians for plant maintenance, controls, and automation. These jobs often pay above the median, especially with experience in PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers).

5. Waukegan Park District: Manages recreational facilities, pools, and event spaces. They employ electricians for seasonal and permanent maintenance. It’s a good entry point for someone with a background in residential/light commercial work.

6. Large Electrical Contractors (e.g., G.A. Mechanical, S&C Electric Company): While S&C is headquartered in Chicago, its work extends into the Lake County area. Local contractors like G.A. Mechanical handle commercial and industrial projects. Working for a contractor is the most common path, offering variety and the chance to build a diverse portfolio.

Hiring Trends: There’s a noticeable shift towards electricians with skills in energy efficiency and smart building systems. Contractors who can install EV charging stations, LED lighting retrofits, and basic automation are in higher demand. Experience with the National Electrical Code (NEC) updates is non-negotiable.

Getting Licensed in IL

Illinois has a clear but stringent licensing process managed by the IDFPR. You cannot work as a journeyman or master electrician without state licensure.

Requirements & Costs:

• Apprenticeship: Complete a state-approved 4-year, 8,000-hour apprenticeship program. This typically involves 576 hours of classroom instruction.
• Journeyman License: After completing the apprenticeship, you must pass the Illinois electrician exam (administered by Pearson VUE). Exam fee: ~$100. License application fee: ~$150. You must renew every 3 years (fee ~$100).
• Master Electrician License: Requires 2 years of experience as a journeyman, passing a more advanced exam, and potentially a business law exam if you plan to pull permits as a contractor. Exam fees are similar to the journeyman exam.
• Total Estimated Cost to Journeyman: $1,500 - $3,000 (mostly for apprenticeship tuition if not covered by an employer-sponsored program). Some unions (like IBEW Local 364) cover these costs through their apprenticeship.

Timeline:

• Apprenticeship: 4 years (can be concurrent with work).
• Journeyman License: Immediate upon passing exams after apprenticeship.
• Master License: Minimum 2+ years after journeyman licensure.

Insider Tip: The IBEW Local 364 (Arlington Heights) covers the Waukegan area. Their apprenticeship is highly respected and provides a direct path to union jobs, which often come with higher wages and better benefits. It’s the most structured way to get licensed in the region.

Best Neighborhoods for Electricians

Where you live in Waukegan affects your commute, budget, and lifestyle. Here are the top considerations:

1. Downtown Waukegan: The heart of the city, near the Metra station and lakefront. Rent for a 1BR: $1,100 - $1,400. Best for those who want an urban feel, walkable access to restaurants, and easy commuting to downtown Chicago jobs (via Metra). Commute to industrial parks on the north/south sides is a 10-15 minute drive.

2. North Waukegan: More residential, with a mix of single-family homes and apartments. Rent for a 1BR: $1,000 - $1,300. Close to I-94 for easy access to jobs in other Lake County cities (Zion, Gurnee). Ideal for those who want a quieter neighborhood with good highway access.

3. South Waukegan: Closer to the industrial corridor and the border with North Chicago. Rent for a 1BR: $950 - $1,200. This is the most affordable area. Commute to local manufacturing jobs is very short, often under 10 minutes. It’s practical for someone prioritizing savings and a short drive to work.

4. The West Side: A sprawling area with a mix of older homes and newer subdivisions. Rent for a 1BR: $1,050 - $1,350. Good balance of affordability and space. Commutes can vary but are generally manageable. Growing families often choose this area for the space and schools.

5. Unincorporated Lake County (near Waukegan borders): Rent for a 1BR: $1,300+ (mostly single-family rentals). For those who prefer a suburban feel with more land but still want proximity to Waukegan's job market. Commutes are slightly longer but the lifestyle is quieter.

The Long Game: Career Growth

Sticking with electrical work in Waukegan offers a clear path for growth if you're strategic.

Specialty Premiums:

• Industrial Automation/PLC: +10-20% over base salary. Crucial for Waukegan's manufacturing base.
• HVAC Controls: +8-15%. Ties into the high demand for efficient building systems.
• Renewable Energy (Solar, EV): +5-12%. This niche is growing as the state pushes green initiatives.
• Fire Alarm/Low Voltage Systems: +5-10%. Required for commercial and institutional buildings.

Advancement Paths:

1. From Apprentice to Journeyman: The expected 4-year path.
2. Journeyman to Foreman/Project Manager: This requires leadership skills and often an OSHA 30 certification. Pay can jump to the $75,000 - $90,000 range.
3. Specialist to Master Electrician: Allows you to start your own contracting business, pulling permits for residential and commercial projects. This is the highest income potential but carries business risk.
4. Niche Consulting: As an expert in a specific system (e.g., data center power), you can consult for companies in the Chicago metro area, commanding premium rates.

10-Year Outlook (Based on 11% Job Growth): The field will remain strong. The key will be adapting to new technologies. The electricians who will thrive are those who move beyond basic wiring to integrate smart home tech, energy management systems, and EV infrastructure. The local market will continue to value licensed, reliable, and tech-savvy electricians.

The Verdict: Is Waukegan Right for You?

Pros	Cons
Competitive Pay & Growth: Median salary $62,030 with 11% projected growth.	High Cost of Living Index (102.6): Rent and taxes are above the national average.
Diverse Job Market: Strong in manufacturing, healthcare, and public sector jobs.	Weather: Harsh winters mean outdoor work can be challenging and indoor work can be busier.
Strategic Location: Proximity to Chicago offers access to even larger markets and union halls.	Traffic: Commutes can be congested, especially on I-94 and near the tollways.
Manageable Housing Costs: Compared to Chicago, homeownership is a more realistic goal.	Competition: You'll need your license and a solid work history to land the best jobs.
Path to Specialization: Clear opportunities to increase earnings through certifications.	Urban Decay in Parts: Some neighborhoods are still revitalizing, which can affect quality of life.

Final Recommendation: Waukegan is a strong choice for electricians who are licensed (or committed to the apprenticeship path) and have a practical, hands-on mindset. It's ideal for those who want a stable career in a mid-sized city without the extreme costs of Chicago. If you're willing to specialize in industrial controls or healthcare systems, you can out-earn the median significantly. It's not a "get rich quick" location, but it's a reliable place to build a solid, middle-class life as a tradesperson. If you're just starting out, the IBEW apprenticeship is your best bet for a structured, debt-free entry into the market.

FAQs

1. Do I need to be licensed in Illinois to work as an electrician?
Yes. You must be a licensed journeyman or master electrician to perform any electrical work for hire. Apprentices can work under the direct supervision of a licensed electrician.

2. Is the job market for electricians in Waukegan dominated by unions?
Unions, like IBEW Local 364, are influential, especially on larger commercial and industrial projects. However, there is a significant non-union market, particularly in residential service work and smaller commercial contractors. It's a mixed market.

3. What's the biggest challenge for electricians moving to Waukegan?
The biggest challenge is navigating the specific state licensing requirements and building a local network. Getting your Illinois license transferred or starting an apprenticeship here is key. The second challenge is the cost of living, which is higher than many expect if you're coming from a rural area.

4. Are there opportunities for side work in Waukegan?
Yes, but be cautious. Illinois has strict rules about unlicensed work. As a licensed journeyman, you can do side work for friends and family, but you cannot advertise or take on commercial projects without a master electrician's license and proper insurance. The market for small residential jobs (like installing a ceiling fan) is there, but it's essential to operate legally.

5. How do winters affect an electrician's work in Waukegan?