Trade Schools
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Illinois is the top paying U.S. state for electricians.
Illinois electricians earned $83,140 per year, on average with salaries ranging from less than $47,370 to more than $117,090, depending on experience, employer, location, and a variety of other factors.
Before being ready to apply for your electrician license, you have to learn the skills needed for this profession through a combination of hands-on and classroom training.
Post-secondary programs are offered by several community colleges and trade schools in Illinois.
Apprenticeships are also available and allow students to combine paid on-the-job training under the supervision of a licensed electrician with classroom instruction.
To help you choose the format that best meets your learning style, budget, and career aspirations, on this page we have compiled information about the top electrician schools in Illinois.
1West Chicago Professional Center
About the School
West Chicago Professional Center offers HVAC and Electrician training.
Students can earn an EPA certification in only three months.
West Chicago Professional Center is approved by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board on Higher Education.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
- Heating, Ventilation, & Air Conditioning
- Combined- a program that combines HVAC with the Electrician training
- Electrical- a program that prepares students for an electrician career through hands-on training and classroom instruction
The Combined program includes six separate classes and each takes four weeks to complete:
- Beginner’s Class: Electrical and HVAC
- Intermediate Classes: Electrical and HVAC
- Advanced Classes: Electrical and HVAC
Classes take place three days per week and each class lasts four hours.
The Electrical courses include three classes, four weeks each: Beginner’s Class, Intermediate Class, and Advanced Class.
The total cost is $5,900 for the electrician program and $9,900 for the combined program.
This includes tuition, books, supplies, lab fees, and the HVAC certification exam (for the combined program).
Contact Information
- Address: 245 W. Roosevelt Rd. Building 1, Unit 4, West Chicago, IL 60185
- Phone: 630-232-3250
- Website: https://www.westchicagohvac.com
2Lincoln Tech
About the School
Lincoln Tech provides programs that prepare students for employment in a variety of in-demand careers.
The Chicago campus is located in Melrose Park and includes 90,000 square feet of training space.
The school includes a full-wired smart house where students enrolled in the Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program study high and low-voltage hardware systems and practice wiring on different types of systems.
Scholarships, grants, and other financial aid options are available for qualifying students.
Courses Offered
The school’s catalog includes an Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program.
This curriculum covers topics on:
- Introduction to the Trades
- Material Applications
- Electronic and Electrical Principles
- Electrical Controls
- Fire Alarm Systems
- A/V, Home Theater, and Satellite/Cable TV
- System Integration
- And more
In total, this program includes 61.5 total credits.
The total cost for this program is $37,623.
This includes tuition, tools, books, uniforms, the student fee, the registration fee, and the technology fee.
Contact Information
- Address: 8317 W. North Avenue, Melrose Park, IL 60160
- Phone: (708) 344-4700
- Website: https://www.lincolntech.edu
3Chicago Professional Center
About the School
Chicago Professional Center offers training in the fields of Heating, Ventilation, Air Conditioning, Basic Electricity, and the National Electrical Code.
All these topics are covered by one program.
PLC can also be added to the training.
The classes are kept small to provide students with quality training and individualized attention.
Students who attend this program also have the opportunity to earn credentials such as Suburban Electrician License, EPA “Univeral” Certificate, R 410-A, Power Engineer License, and NATE Certification.
Chicago Professional Center is approved to operate by the Division of Private Business and Vocational Schools of the Illinois Board of Higher Education and is also accredited by the Accrediting Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Morning classes are available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. while evening classes take place from 6 to 10 p.m.
Courses Offered
The following courses are available:
- Residential and Commercial HVAC Tech/Electrician
- Maintenance
- HVAC Tech/Electrician/Maintenance PLC
- HVAC Tech/ Electrician/ Maintenance Worker
- ESL Program
Contact Information
- Address: 16 E. Piper Ln Ste 127, Prospect Heights, IL 60070
- Phone: 847-215-8203
- Website: https://www.chicagoprofessionalcenter.com
4ETI School of Skilled Trades
About the School
ETI School of Skilled Trades helps students prepare for new careers in only seven months.
The school offers flexible schedules with day and evening classes available.
The classes are kept small to provide each student with one-on-one time with the instructor.
ETI School of Skilled Trades is accredited by the Accredited Commission of Career Schools and Colleges.
Courses Offered
The following two programs are available:
- HVAC/R Program
- Welding Program
The HVAC/R program covers sheet metal fabrication, electrical work, conduit bending, and many other topics needed for installing, repairing, and replacing HVAC/R equipment.
Students get hands-on experience in more than 15,000 square feet of lab space.
Tuition for the HVAC/R program is approximately $14,085
Additional costs include registration fees, books, tools, universal 608 EPA exam, ESCO R-410A Exam, and Sales Tax.
These bring the total cost to approximately $16,000.
Contact Information
- Address: 500 Joliet Rd Suite #100 Willowbrook IL 60527
- Phone: (888) 830-7678
- Website: https://eticampus.edu
5ABC- Illinois Chapter Apprenticeship Training
About the School
ABC- Illinois Chapter Apprenticeship Training offers training programs for students who want to become electricians, HVAC mechanics, heavy equipment operators, plumbers, or carpenters.
ABC- Illinois Chapter Apprenticeship Training is a construction trade association that represents 300 companies state-wide.
The association features scholarship opportunities.
The classes are approved by the Department of Labor, which means that students can become registered apprentices.
Tuition for the Electrical program is $10,800 in total for members and $12,800 for non-members.
Programs are also available for high school students.
Courses Offered
The Electrical program available at ABC covers topics such as:
- Safety
- Circuits
- Electrical Theory
- National Electrical Code
- Hand Bending
- Drawings
- Alternating Current
- Electric Lighting
- Load Calculations
- Commercial Electrical Services
- Standby & Emergency Systems
- Motor Operations & Maintenance
- And more
The program includes four levels in total.
Contact Information
- Address: 2458 Elmhurst Road Elk Grove Village, IL 60007
- Phone: 847-295-2154
- Website: https://www.learnyourtrade.com
6City Colleges of Chicago- Kennedy-King
About the School
City Colleges of Chicago- Kennedy-King is an academic job training center that prepares students for careers in construction technology.
The school offers training programs since 1968.
Courses Offered
Am Electrical Line Worker (Overhead) program is available at the center.
This program leads to an Advanced Certificate.
The following program requirements are included in the program core:
- Basic Electrical Theory
- Overhead Techniques and Projects
- Construction Safety and Rescue
- Power Equipment Operation
- Math for Technicians
- And more
In total, the program includes 30 hours.
The following programs are also included in the center’s catalog:
- Electrical Construction Technology, Advanced Certificate
- Electrical Construction Technology, Associate in Applied Science
- Electrical Construction Technology, Basic Certificate
These programs include between 19 and 65.5 total hours, depending on the credential they lead to, and cover topics such as:
- Electrical Circuity
- Conduit Bending
- Construction Technology
- Print Reading
- Technical Math
- And more
Contact Information
- Address: 6301 South Halsted St, Chicago, IL 60621
- Phone: (773) 602-5000
- Website: https://www.ccc.edu
7Richland Community College
About the School
Richland Community College offers a variety of programs and degrees in Decatur, Illinois.
The college’s catalog includes more than 80 programs that lead to degrees and certificates.
Dual credit programs are also offered to allow high school students to take classes at Richland and earn both high school and college credit.
Richland Community College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission and recognized by the Illinois Community College Board.
Courses Offered
The college’s catalog includes programs in:
- Engineering Technology- CNC Technology
- Engineering
- Engineering Technology-Electrical Systems
- Engineering Technology- Facility Maintenance
- And more
The Electrical Systems program takes place in classrooms and laboratories equipped with modern industrial components, tools, machines, and systems that are commonly used in the field.
The curriculum covers topics such as:
- Manufacturing Processes
- Blueprint Reading
- CNC Fundamentals
- Machining Fundamentals
- PLC Fundamentals
- Industrial Materials
- Power Transmission Applications
- And many more
An Electrical Systems Specialty and a Wind Energy Specialty are among the program’s career and technical options.
Contact Information
- Address: 1 College Park Decatur, IL 62521
- Phone: (217) 875-7200
- Website: https://www.richland.edu
8Southwestern Illinois College
About the School
Southwestern Illinois College offers degree and certificate programs in a wide range of specialties.
Certificates, degrees, and career programs are available at the college.
The college provides day, evening, and online classes to fit students’ busy schedules.
Courses Offered
Southwestern Illinois College offers programs designed to help students develop skills that will make them competitive in the workforce through its Technical Education and Workforce Division.
This pathway includes Industrial Electricity Degree and Certificates.
The following specialties are available:
- Industrial Electrician Program
- Microcomputer Hardware Maintenance Program
The Industrial Electricity Certificate curriculum includes 33 credits in total with classes on topics such as:
- Intro to Electricity and Electronics
- Electronic Devices and Circuits
- Digital Electronic Circuits
- Power Generation/Distribution
- And more
The college has three campuses: Belleville, Sam Wolf Granite City, and Red Bud.
Southwestern Illinois College is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Contact Information
- Address: 2500 Carlyle Ave. Belleville, IL 62221
- Phone: 618-235-2700
- Website: https://www.swic.edu
9College of Lake County
About the School
College of Lake County offers a variety of degrees and certificate programs.
Tuition for the Fall of 2022 is $128 per credit hour for in-district students.
Students in Illinois who live outside of district 532 pay $329.50 per credit hour.
Courses Offered
The following degrees and certificates are available:
- Electrical Engineering Technology
- Electrician Apprenticeship
- Industrial Technology
- Machine Tool Trades
- Mechanical Engineering Technology
- And more
The Electrical Engineering pathway prepares students for career opportunities in research, instrumentation, design, field service, and other industries.
Students have the following Degree and Certificate options:
- Electrical Engineering Technology A.A.S.
- Electrical/Electronics Maintenance Certificate
- Electronics Technology Certificate
- Fiber Optics Technician Certificate
- Wireless Networking Security Certificate
The number of credits varies depending on the credential.
The A.A.S. degree program covers topics such as:
- Introduction to Digital Electronics
- Solid State Electronics
- Electrical Machinery
- Microprocessors
- Introduction to Renewable Energy Sources
- And more
In total, the degree requires between 66-70 credits.
An Electrician Apprenticeship is also available.
This program was established in partnership with the International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers, Local 150.
Contact Information
- Address: 19351 West Washington Street, Grayslake, IL 60030-1198
- Phone: (847) 543-2000
- Website: https://www.clcillinois.edu
10DuPage JATC
About the School
DuPage JATC is the joint Apprenticeship Training Committee of DuPage County.
The committee prepares new electricians through apprenticeships.
Continuing education classes are also available for those who already work in the field and what to keep up with their training.
Courses Offered
The following programs are available:
Commercial Electrician Program- the Inside Wireman program requires 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 900 classroom hours which can be completed in five years.
Students enrolled in this program learn how to use lighting, power distribution, motors, HVAC equipment, and other electrical systems that control the operation of a facility’s energy usage.
Data Technician Program- this four-year program requires 6,400 hours of on-the-job training and 720 classroom hours.
This program prepares workers who install a network of equipment and cabling systems for video, voice, data, fire alarms, and other low voltage signals.
Contact Information
- Address: 28600 Bella Vista Pkwy Suite 1500, Warrenville, IL 60555
- Phone: (630) 393-1701 Ext. 4
- Website: https://dupagejatc.org
Regional Salary in Illinois
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bloomington, IL | 460 | $75,340 | $36.22 | $96,160 | $46,400 |
| Carbondale-Marion, IL | 160 | $79,580 | $38.26 | $108,490 | $45,930 |
| Champaign-Urbana, IL | 300 | $78,090 | $37.54 | $103,940 | $46,420 |
| Chicago-Naperville-Elgin, IL-IN-WI | 14,960 | $88,990 | $42.79 | $118,520 | $48,830 |
| Danville, IL | 80 | $68,140 | $32.76 | $94,970 | $37,460 |
| Decatur, IL | 370 | $82,320 | $39.58 | $115,750 | $49,230 |
| Kankakee, IL | 100 | $76,160 | $36.61 | $104,520 | $37,980 |
| Peoria, IL | 730 | $72,870 | $35.04 | $98,770 | $41,310 |
| Rockford, IL | 380 | $72,310 | $34.77 | $96,660 | $42,250 |
| Springfield, IL | 290 | $73,470 | $35.32 | $97,820 | $38,720 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Final Thoughts
Now that you have read our list of top electrician schools in Illinois, it’s time to continue the research and apply for the program that best meets your needs.
Take your time and consider all the factors before making this important decision.
