TradesOfficial Payroll Survey · 99/10010+ years
Staff / Lead Electrician Salary in Chicago
2026 · Staff, lead, and principal-level professionals in the top 10% of earners.
$98,810/yr
Typical range: $97,157 – $114,490
P90 · BLS OEWS employer payroll data
Electrician salary by experience level in Chicago
Electrician Salary Progression in Chicago
From entry-level through staff — based on BLS OEWS percentile data
| Experience Level | Years | Percentile | Annual Salary | Monthly | vs Entry |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Entry | 0 yrs | 0 yrs | $58,314 | $4,860 | — |
| Junior | 2 yrs | 2 yrs | $69,653 | $5,804 | +19% |
| Mid-Level | 4 yrs | 4 yrs | $77,212 | $6,434 | +32% |
| Senior | 6 yrs | 6 yrs | $84,556 | $7,046 | +45% |
| StaffThis page | 10 yrs | 10 yrs | $98,810 | $8,234 | +69% |
| Principal | 14 yrs | 14 yrs | $109,177 | $9,098 | +87% |
| Distinguished | 18 yrs | 18 yrs | $111,769 | $9,314 | +92% |
Current Salary
$98,810
Staff / Lead · 10+ years
Hourly: $48/hr
Next Level Target
$109,177
Principal · 14
+$10Kpotential uplift
Career Opportunity
51/100
Moderate
+11% demand · Low AI risk
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the staff / lead Electrician salary in Chicago, IL?
Staff / Lead Electricians in Chicago, IL earn approximately $99K per year (2026). This corresponds to the P90 range of BLS OEWS employer payroll data.
How much does a staff / lead Electrician make per hour in Chicago, IL?
Based on $99K annually, the hourly rate is approximately $48/hr (2,080-hour work year).
How do I get from staff / lead to senior Electrician in Chicago, IL?
The typical progression takes 2–4 years with consistent skill development, project leadership, and strategic job moves. A senior Electrician in Chicago, IL earns $97K–$114K/yr.