Entry-Level Electrician Salary in Cicero, IL: $60,087 (2026)
Quick Answer:New electricians entering the Cicero, IL job market in 2026 can expect a starting salary around $60,087 (BLS 10th-percentile benchmark for SOC 47-2111, projected from 2025 OEWS data). Stripping out Cicero's local price level (BEA RPP 97.1 — 3% below national), a first-year paycheck buys what $61,882 would in average-cost America. Most reach the city median ($88,003) within a few years of clinical practice.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source
In Cicero, IL, new graduates entering the electrician field can anticipate a starting annual salary around $60,087 in 2026, which differs significantly from the median salary of $88,003 across the city. This gap reflects the expected career growth for entry-level electricians as they gain experience and skills. New electricians can realistically expect their pay to increase as they navigate the first few years of their careers, moving towards $68,708 as they approach the 25th percentile and gradually closing the gap to the city median. Given the competitive entry-level electrician salary in Cicero compared to the national average of $64,530, which is about 36.38% less than what local electricians can earn, the area presents a robust market for newly graduated electricians looking to establish their careers.
About the Cicero Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Career Earnings Timeline in Cicero
New Graduate
Early Career
Mid Career
Experienced
Salary progression estimated from BLS percentile data. Actual progression varies by employer, certifications, and specialization.
2026 Salary Percentile Distribution in Cicero
Entry-level electricians in Cicero, IL typically start between $60,087 and $68,708 per year (2026 est.). The full salary range spans $76,318 from the 10th to 90th percentile, with the local median at $88,003 — 36.38% above the national median.
Return on Investment
The average electrical program cost in Illinois of $18,000 represents just 29.96% of the starting electrician pay ($60,087/year) in Cicero. Most graduates begin earning back their investment from day one, though actual ROI varies based on living expenses, loan interest, and the 2-year opportunity cost of schooling.
Program cost estimates reflect registered apprenticeship training through NECA/IBEW JATCs or independent electrical contractors. Costs cover union dues, tools, books, and related technical instruction. Non-union trade school pathways cost more but are shorter.
ELEC Salary Negotiation Tips for New Graduates in Cicero
- 1Research the Cicero market: entry-level electrician pay ranges from $60,087 to $68,708, so aim for at least the 25th percentile if you have strong credentials.
- 2Highlight any additional certifications or specialty training within the electrical field — employers in IL often pay a premium for expanded scope of work.
- 3Evaluate the full compensation package — in Cicero, benefits like health insurance, continuing-education allowances, and schedule flexibility can add 20-30% to your effective compensation.
- 4Consider starting with a larger hospital system or multi-site employer in Cicero for competitive entry-level pay and structured mentorship, then move to a smaller employer once you have 2-3 years of experience.
- 5Cicero's moderate cost of living means your starting salary goes further here compared to many larger metro areas.
Electrician Compensation Range
The electrician wage spread in Cicero is $76,318 ( 127.01%) between entry-level and top earners. Starting at $60,087, experienced hygienists can earn up to $136,405.
Represents the current salary spread across experience levels, not projected career growth rate.
2019 BLS Actual
$46,103
2025 BLS Actual
$58,840
2026 Current Est.
$60,087
2019–2027 Growth
+33.1%
Salary Trajectory for Electricians in Cicero (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Annual Salary | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $46,103 | Actual |
| 2020 | $46,655 | Actual |
| 2021 | $51,085 | Actual |
| 2022 | $51,664 | Actual |
| 2023 | $53,086 | Actual |
| 2024 | $52,967 | Actual |
| 2025 | $58,840 | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $60,087 | Estimated |
| 2027 | $61,361 | Projected |
Entry-level electrician compensation (10th percentile) in Cicero, IL grew 27.6% over 7 years based on actual BLS metropolitan area surveys, rising from $46,103 in 2019 to $58,840 in 2025. By 2027, starting salaries are projected to reach $61,361. New graduates entering the Cicero job market can expect continued year-over-year gains.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the Cicero metropolitan area, sourced from annual Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics surveys. 2026–2026 figures are current estimates, and 2027 values are projections, calculated using a 2.12% CAGR derived from 7-year BLS historical data. Actual salaries may vary based on employer, experience, certifications, and local market conditions.
Starting Your electrical Career in Cicero
For those beginning their journey in the electrical field, several avenues exist for landing a first job in Cicero. Employers, including union Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committees (JATC) associated with IBEW/NECA, provide structured training through 4-5 year apprenticeships. Non-union contractors and industrial maintenance teams also offer apprenticeship opportunities, albeit with different training structures that typically focus on hands-on experience. Credentials such as a journeyman electrician license, which requires passing a state exam, and additional specialty certifications can significantly boost starting pay in Illinois. Focusing on areas like solar power and EV charging, which are experiencing growth due to tax incentives, is essential for staying competitive. Expect salary growth of 2.12% annually over the first few years, especially in high-demand niches like data center electrical work, which is rapidly emerging as a key market in the area.
More salary data for Cicero, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the starting salary for electricians in Cicero in 2026?
How fast do electrician salaries grow in Cicero?
Is electrical school worth it in Cicero?
What do new electricians make right out of school in Cicero?
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Related Pages
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Written by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst
Career Analyst
Samuel Carter has over 10 years of experience as an electrician. His focus includes residential wiring and safety standards. He has worked in various construction firms.
Methodology & Data Source
Entry-level salary figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. The 10th percentile (entry-level) is used as the starting salary benchmark for new electrical graduates. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to project current 2026 entry-level compensation in Cicero. Program costs are averages and actual tuition varies by institution. ROI calculations are simplified estimates.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for Cicero is estimated from official BLS state-level occupational wage data (2025), adjusted for regional cost-of-living differences using BEA RPP (Regional Price Parities).
2026 figures are projected from 2025 BLS data using a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 2.12%, derived from historical BLS wage trends for electricians (SOC 47-2111).
Compiled and verified by Samuel Carter, Career Analyst, a licensed electrician with 10+ years of clinical experience. · View source data at BLS.gov