Find an electrician in Chicago, IL
An electrician installs and repairs wiring, panels, outlets, lighting and other electrical systems. Electrical work can cause fires and shocks if done wrong, so most of it needs a licensed electrician and often a permit. People call one for outlets that do not work, tripping breakers, panel upgrades, EV chargers, or new lighting.
How many electricians are in Chicago?
The Census Bureau counted 238 electricians with employees in Chicago, IL ZIP codes in 2023.
Countywide, Cook County has 1,007, or 19.4 per 100,000 residents: fewer than the US rate of 24.8, and 121st of 165 large US cities per resident.
Another 2,453 self-employed businesses in electrical contractors are based in Cook County, the kind of one-person operation the employer count leaves out.
The ZIP codes with the most: 60634 (30), 60630 (23), 60618 (15), 60612 (13).
Half of Chicago's homes were built before 1952, and 54% of households rent, which shapes the kind of work local pros see most.
| Businesses with employees (city ZIP codes) | 238 Census ZBP 2023 |
|---|---|
| Per 100,000 residents, Cook County | 19.4 US: 24.8 |
| Rank among large US cities | 121 of 165 county count per resident |
| Small businesses (under 5 staff) | 61% |
| Self-employed, Cook County | 2,453 Census NES 2023: electrical contractors |
| Median year homes were built | 1952 ACS 2023 |
| Households that rent | 54% ACS 2023 |
| Population | 2,707,648 ACS 2023 |
What do electricians in Chicago help with?
- Outlet and switch repair
- Panel upgrades and replacement
- Circuit breaker problems
- Lighting installation
- Ceiling fan installs
- EV charger installation
- Whole-home generators
- GFCI and AFCI protection
- Rewiring older homes
- Electrical inspections
How do you choose a good electrician in Chicago?
- Ask for the license number and check it with the state or local licensing office.
- Ask for proof of insurance.
- Ask whether the job needs a permit and inspection.
- Get a written estimate with labor, materials and permit costs.
- Ask whether they have done work like yours, such as panels or EV chargers.
- For older homes, ask about knob-and-tube or aluminum wiring experience.
Electricians are licensed in most states or by local governments, and many jobs require permits and inspections; ask for a license number and check it. See Illinois license rules and lookup.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Are you licensed and insured?
- Will you pull a permit?
- What is included in the estimate?
- How long will the job take?
- What warranty do you give?
- Will you need to cut into walls?
Red flags to watch for
- Offering to do work without a permit to save money.
- No license or insurance.
- Vague estimates.
- Ignoring burning smells, sparks or overheating.
What changes the price?
- Type of work
- Panel or wiring upgrades
- Access through walls and ceilings
- Permits and inspections
- Materials and fixtures
- Emergency service
Get two or three written quotes for the same scope of work; prices vary a lot between businesses.
Questions people ask
How many electricians are there in Chicago?
The Census counted 238 electricians with employees in Chicago, IL in 2023, plus 2,453 self-employed businesses in Cook County.
Why does my breaker keep tripping?
It may be overloaded, have a short or a ground fault. Have an electrician check it, especially if it trips often.
Do I need a permit to replace a light fixture?
Rules vary. Many places allow simple replacements without a permit, but new circuits and panel work usually need one.
What should I do if I smell burning from an outlet?
Turn off power to that circuit if it is safe to do so, and call an electrician. If there is smoke or fire, leave and call emergency services.
Electricians in nearby cities
Sources: US Census Bureau ZIP and County Business Patterns 2023, Nonemployer Statistics 2023 and ACS 2023 5-year estimates. Census industry groups can include closely related businesses. Expert Helper is a free matching service, not a electrician.