Top 10 Electrician Schools in Chicago 2024

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Are you looking for a detailed guide on the requirements to apply to the best electrician schools, colleges, and universities in Chicago that will train you to become a professional electrician?

Are you wondering if your choice to become an electrician is a good choice?

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Well, we know that electricians will never go out of demand following the increase in the production of electrically powered devices.

Also, because Electricians play an essential role in almost every industry, they are needed by commercial, industrial, and residential consumers as they help them maintain a safe and consistent power supply to meet their day-to-day needs. 

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On the other hand, some work with contractors, construction sites, factories, automotive industries, and private residences.

In Chicago, an 8% increase in the number of Electricians in the state will be experienced by 2028. This invariably means this is an excellent time to train to become an electrician in Chicago.

Here in this guide, we have come up with a piece on the best Electrician schools, colleges, and universities that will train you to become a professional electrician as long as you have the proper requirements to apply.

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We have also discussed how to obtain your license. Licensing in Illinois is regulated at the local level. Most municipalities grant a permit after completing an extensive apprenticeship and a formal electrician program that includes theory and hands-on training.

So by choosing any school from our list, you’re about to become a professional electrician in Chicago.

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What is The Job Outlook for Electricians in Chicago?

The job outlook for electricians in Chicago is on the upward hillside. 

Following the report by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, electricians in Chicago will experience job growth of 8% by 2028, creating about 25,340 new jobs in the state.

The increase is traced to the rise in the use of electrically powered devices in the state.

How Do I Become An Electrician in Chicago?

To become an electrician in Chicago, you must complete an educational or apprenticeship program in electrical technology, know about the National Electrical Code (N.E.C.) and get hands-on job experience under a licensed electrician to meet any of the state’s municipality requirements.

So here is a step-by-step guide on how to go about becoming an electrician in Chicago;

  • Enroll in a vocational, community college, or trade school electrician program.
  • Begin apprenticeship, which includes all the class time and on-the-job hours you will need to learn how to become an electrician.
  • Complete your program and begin applying for licensing.
  • Obtain your license as long as you’re at least 21 years of age with two years of work experience.

What Are The Requirements To Apply To Electrician Schools In Chicago?

Before enrolling in any of the best Electrician schools, colleges, and universities in Chicago, you need to find out what requirements you need to apply to gain admission.

The admission requirements will differ depending on the school you’re applying to. However, here is a general list of conditions and eligibility criteria to apply to Electrician schools in Chicago;

  • Be 17 years or older.
  • Provide a valid photo I.D. card
  • Submit a completed student application
  • Take and pass the entrance exam.
  • Obtain a satisfactory drug test result
  • Complete and sign an enrollment agreement
  • Submit the Public Release Form/Emergency Contact
  • Provide proof of eligibility to work in the United States
  • Some schools will require you to attend a new student registration.
  • Submit a typed application essay on a predetermined topic
  • Must have graduated from an accredited high school or G.E.D.
  • Must have completed two semesters of high school or college algebra with a grade C or better – the official transcript is required.
  • Must be physically capable of performing the duties of a construction electrician
  • Applicants with no high school diploma must demonstrate the ability to benefit from the training. This can be shown by attaining a score of 200 on the Verbal form and 320 on the mathematics form on the Wonderlic Basic Skills Test.

Remember that some of these Electrician schools in Chicago requirements are school specific. 

Some schools may have additional requirements to the list above. We advise you to visit the school’s website to find out what conditions they need from new students.

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Top 10 Electrician Schools In Chicago

Here is a list of the best schools and universities in Chicago that train students to become professional electricians in the state and the requirements to apply;

#1. Coyne College

  • Course Credit Unit: 91
  • Program Duration: 78 weeks and 42 to 56 weeks, respectively.
  • Program Degree Type: Associate Degree and The Diploma Certificate
  • Course Title: Electrical Construction & Planning And The Electrical Construction And Maintenance Diploma. 
  • Location: 1 North State Street, Suite 400, Chicago, IL 60602

Coyne College is one of the best electrician colleges in Chicago, which aims at providing students with the required skills required to become professional electricians.

By enrolling in the electrical construction and planning program, students who stick around till graduation earn an Associate Degree or a Diploma Certificate if enrolled into the electrical construction and maintenance diploma program.

Students learn electrical and electronic basics from interactive to hands-on practical classes using professional tools in a safe environment. 

Coyne College’s electrical program covers commercial wiring, design, and planning fundamentals, blueprint reading and estimating conduit bending and installation, and fundamentals of supervision. 

Classes run Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 12:30 pm for 78 weeks. The cost of the program is $30,884.

Visit Coyne College

#2. Richard J. Daley

  • Course Credit Unit: 65.5
  • Program Duration: 4 Semesters.
  • Program Degree Type: A.A.S. Degree
  • Course Title: Electrical Construction Technology A.A.S. 
  • Location: 7500 South Pulaski Rd Chicago, IL 60652

Richard J. Daley offers an electrical program that awards students an A.A.S. degree upon graduation. Richard J. Daley provides this program with the Electrical Joint Apprenticeship and Training Trust.

Richard J. Daley offers theoretical and practical classes on electrical wiring, tools and equipment, and electrical safety for students who want to become electricians in Chicago.

However, before you enroll in Richard J. Daley’s electrician program, you must know Electrical Circuitry, Motor Control Systems, Electrical Power Systems, and other prerequisite knowledge. Also, it would be best if you had a minimum grade of C for all courses to graduate from the program.

Tuition costs $146 per credit hour for in-district students, including books and other supplies.

Visit Richard J. Daley

#3. Lincoln Tech

  • Course Credit Unit: 42
  • Program Duration: 1080 hours spread across 48 weeks (daytime) and 49 weeks (evening).
  • Program Degree Type: Associate Degree
  • Course Title: Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology A.A.S. 
  • Location: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160

Lincoln Tech is one of Chicago’s best electrician schools, colleges, and universities for adults. This program focuses on the basics and professional level of Electrical and Electronics Systems Technology.

The Lincoln Tech electrical program curriculum gives students a competitive advantage over others. It covers the essentials of high and low-voltage equipment and applications, which is a prerequisite to getting a license. 

Students learn how to install, troubleshoot, and service low-voltage electronic and local area network cabling systems. 

The cost of the Lincoln Tech Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program is $27,672, which includes tuition, books, and other supplies.

Visit Lincoln Tech

#4. Chicago Professional Center

  • Course Credit Unit: 180
  • Program Duration: 4 Months.
  • Program Degree Type: Certificate Degree
  • Course Title: Residential & Commercial HVAC Technician / Electrician. 
  • Location: 16 E. Piper Ln Ste 127, Prospect Heights, IL 60070 

The electrical program offered by Chicago Professional Center prepares students to be professional electricians and get their licenses as Class A electricians and Type 2 and Type 3 EPA HVAC technicians. 

The program covers basic electrical training to professional levels. Over 40% of the Chicago Professional Center electrician program is committed to hands-on practice using real electrical, HVAC equipment, and computer software designed to imitate faults and problems encountered in the field. 

Also, students must attend the National Electrical Code Seminars during the program. Classes run from Monday to Friday from 8:30 am to 12:30 in the morning and from 6:00 pm to 10:00 pm. Tuition costs $9,350, and an additional $650 for books and supplies. 

Visit C.P.C.

#5. West Chicago Professional Center

  • Course Credit Unit: 150
  • Program Duration: 3 months.
  • Program Degree Type: A.A.S. Degree
  • Course Title: Electrical Technician 
  • Location: 245 W. Roosevelt Rd. Building 1, Unit 4, West Chicago, IL 60185 United States

West Chicago Professional Center is one of the best Electrician schools in Chicago that will train students to become professional electricians.

The West Chicago Professional Center program focuses on theory and practical training of the electrical industry’s primary, intermediate, and advanced skills. 

The 3 months program is categorized into three theory and practical classes. 1st 4 weeks for Beginner’s course, 2nd 4 weeks for the Intermediate class, and the last 4 weeks for the Advanced class. Each type is a prerequisite to the other.

Classes take place in a modern lab equipped with computerized software-designed tools. Morning, afternoon, and evening schedules are available.

The program’s estimated cost is $5,450, including tuition, books, supplies, and lab fees.

Visit WCPC

#6. CLEC Enterprises

  • Course Credit Unit: 150
  • Program Duration: 12 weeks.
  • Program Degree Type: A.A.S. Degree
  • Course Title: Electrical Technician. 
  • Location: 5105 Tollview Drive, Suite 270 Rolling Meadows, IL 60008 

CLEC Enterprises is one of the best colleges, universities, and schools.in Chicago to study to become a professional electrician. What makes CLEC Enterprises outstanding is the fact that its curriculum is focused on the Chicago Electrical Code

The CLEC Enterprises electrical program covers 10 weeks of theory and practical classes, which prepare students to obtain their licenses and prepare for entry-level roles. 

Upon graduation, the graduates will be eligible to take the supervising electrician exam. Classes are held on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6:00 pm to 9:00 pm. Tuition costs $1,500, although additional costs may apply.

Visit CLEC Enterprises

#7. College of Lake County

  • Course Credit Unit: 35 (certificate) 66-70 (AAS)
  • Program Duration: 3 semesters.
  • Program Degree Type: Certificate or A.A.S. degree
  • Course Title: Electrical Electronic Technician. 
  • Location: 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198 

The College of Lake County electrical program is focused on research, communications, instrumentation, field service, and service laboratories. 

The Electrical Electronic Technician program offers a two-way track to earn either a Certificate or an Associate in Applied Science degree.

Some of the programs covered include D.C. Circuit Fundamentals, A.C. Fundamentals, Solid State Electronics, Circuit Analysis and Network Theorems, Electronic Communications Systems, Microprocessors I, and other courses.

The cost of tuition is $125 per credit for in-district students, excluding supplies.

Visit College of Lake County 

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Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Electrician Colleges And Universities In Chicago

What Is The Salary Structure Of Electricians In Chicago?

Electricians in Chicago earn about $37.88 per hour while Helpers–Electricians earn $18.34 per hour. On the other hand, electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment net $29.75.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Powerhouse, Substation, and Relay earn $43.71, and Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers earn $40.
The average income of the low 10% in 2019 earned about $81,470, and the top 10% earned $112,580.

How Many Electricians Are There In Chicago?

In 2018, there were 25,240 electricians in Chicago. However, by 2028 about 25,340 new jobs will be opened for Electricians due to the increase in demand.

How Do I Get My License In Chicago As An Electrician?

Chicago does not have any statewide electrical licensing. To be a licensed electrician in the state, you must contact the city’s Department of Buildings to learn how to become certified as a supervising electrician or apply to Cook County for registration as an electrical contractor.

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