Electrician Hourly Pay in DeKalb, IL: $42.06 (2026)
Quick Answer:Hourly pay for a electrician working in DeKalb, IL runs $42.06 at the median for 2026 — annualizing to $87,488 at a standard 2,080-hour year. Figures projected from BLS OEWS 2025 (SOC 47-2111). Weighted against DeKalb's regional price level (BEA RPP 97.1, 3% below national), each hour of work buys what $43.32 nationally would. A 24-hour part-time schedule grosses $52,495 per year.
Based on BLS state-level estimates · View source

In DeKalb, Illinois, electricians earn a median hourly pay of $42.06, significantly higher than the national median of $31.02. This competitive hourly rate provides attractive opportunities for both part-time and per-diem workers, who typically find themselves in diverse environments like commercial and industrial construction sites, residential service calls, and utility line trucks. Those working part-time, say three days a week, can make a substantial income, benefiting from a solid hourly structure that ranges from $30.61 for entry-level positions to about $65.19 for the top earners. Such rates reflect a strong market for electricians in DeKalb, driven by industry demands ranging from manufacturing plant maintenance to installation work in emerging sectors like renewable energy.
About the DeKalb Market
Salary estimated from Illinois average ($88,000) adjusted for local cost of living.
Electrician Hourly Wage Breakdown
| Percentile | Hourly Rate | Per 8hr Shift |
|---|---|---|
| Entry Level (P10) | $30.61 | $244.84 |
| Lower Range (P25) | $34.08 | $272.62 |
| Median (P50) | $42.06 | $336.51 |
| Upper Range (P75) | $53.84 | $430.70 |
| Top Earners (P90) | $65.19 | $521.55 |
Estimated Annual Income by Work Schedule in DeKalb
Based on $42.06/hr median hourly rate · 2026 est.
At $42.06/hr, a electrician working full-time (40 hr/wk) in DeKalb, IL can expect to earn approximately $87,492 per year (2026 est.). Part-time hygienists working 24 hours per week would earn around $50,476. With a cost-of-living index of 97.10 (below the national average), these earnings stretch further in DeKalb.
Hourly Rate Calculator
Schedule Comparison in DeKalb
| Schedule | Weekly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Full-Time (40 hrs) | $1,682.53 | $7,291 | $87,492 |
| Part-Time (24 hrs) | $1,009.52 | $4,375 | $52,495 |
| Per Diem (16 hrs) | $673.01 | $2,916 | $34,997 |
Compare ELEC Wages With Similar Roles
| Role | Median Hourly |
|---|---|
| Electrician (DeKalb) | $42.06 |
| Plumber (National Avg) | $32.85 |
| HVAC Technician (National Avg) | $28.47 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic (National Avg) | $29.53 |
| Solar PV Installer (National Avg) | $24.85 |
Electricians in DeKalb, IL earn a median of $87,488 per year (2026 est.), which is 35.58% higher than the national median of $64,530 and 3.80% below the Illinois state average of $90,944.
Electrician Hourly Pay vs. Cost of Living
Working 24h/week at $42.06/hr = $52,495/year (purchasing power: $54,063).
Working 40h/week (full-time) = $87,492/year (purchasing power: $90,105).
CoL index: 97.1 (100 = national average). Your dollars stretch further here.
2019 BLS Actual
$36.62/hr
2025 BLS Actual
$41.19/hr
2026 Current Est.
$42.06/hr
2019–2027 Growth
+17.3%
Hourly Rate Trajectory for Electricians in DeKalb (2019–2027)
2019–2025: actual BLS OEWS data for this metro area. 2026+: CAGR 2.12% projection.
| Year | Hourly Rate | Status |
|---|---|---|
| 2019 | $36.62/hr | Actual |
| 2020 | $37.09/hr | Actual |
| 2021 | $39.14/hr | Actual |
| 2022 | $39.27/hr | Actual |
| 2023 | $40.15/hr | Actual |
| 2024 | $39.53/hr | Actual |
| 2025 | $41.19/hr | Actual |
| 2026(current) | $42.06/hr | Estimated |
| 2027 | $42.95/hr | Projected |
Based on 7 years of BLS OEWS metropolitan area data, the median hourly rate for electricians in DeKalb grew 12.5% from $36.62/hr (2019) to $41.19/hr (2025). At a 2.12% projected growth rate, hourly pay is expected to reach $42.95/hr by 2027. Part-time and per-diem electricians can use this multi-year trend to benchmark future contract negotiations.
Note: Historical values (2019–2025) are actual BLS OEWS figures for the DeKalb 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.
Working as an Hourly Electrician in DeKalb
For electricians considering part-time work, earning potential scales favorably. A typical part-time schedule of 24 hours a week will yield an annual income significantly lower than that of full-time electricians, yet still respectable given the local hourly rate. Per-diem electricians, specifically those who travel for projects, regularly earn between $80 and $150 per day in addition to a base pay of $35 to $60 per hour. In extreme situations like storm work, utility linemen can expect to see this pay doubled, with per-diem bonuses reaching $300 to $500 per day. How much electricians earn in DeKalb also varies by employer type: union contractors affiliated with IBEW provide a notable premium and benefits, whereas non-union companies may offer higher hourly rates without additional perks. Negotiating terms based on the balance of hourly pay versus benefits is crucial, as some electricians opt for lower wages in exchange for health insurance and other security.
More salary data for DeKalb, IL:
Frequently Asked Questions
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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
Hourly wage figures on this page are 2026 projections based on the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) survey, May 2026 release. A 2.12% compound annual growth rate (CAGR), derived from 6-year national BLS wage trends, was applied to estimate current 2026 hourly rates for electricians in DeKalb. Part-time and full-time income estimates assume consistent weekly hours and do not account for overtime, benefits, or seasonal variation.
Data Sources & Methodology
Salary data for DeKalb 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