Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2004
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Excellent!!!! Streib Electric Co sent a young man by the name of Eric who was very knowledgeable and very polite. He did a outstanding job. I will definitely use this company again."
+7
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2013
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Very professional, great communication, quality work, reasonable price, so I was very pleased with my breaker panel electrical upgrade. Ted Schott"
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1976
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Ron, our installer, was absolutely wonderful! He arrived on time, was pleasant, and efficient. Ron worked on New Year's Eve, was close to finishing his job, but could have stretched it into the next day. Rather than leaving us "in the dark," he worked until the job was completed that day. We appreciate all the hard work from Ron! We definitely recommend Reinhold for any of your electric needs!"
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2021
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"CD Electric was great! Chase was very knowledgeable and very reasonably priced. We will be using them for any more electrical needs. Highly recommend!"
+6
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2013
Small jobs welcome
Credit card accepted
"He provided a high standard of work installing recessed lighting into a new dropped ceiling as well as circuits, switches and electrical upgrades. Very knowledgeable and reliable. We are very happy with his work. Passed inspection."
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1969
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Mr. Gorman is very professional. He gave me a reasonable rate. He did the job in one day on two structures."
+70
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
Customers say: Quick response
"Tom from Synergy did the bid for under cabinet lighting install, however sent someone else to do the job. Originally discussed with Tom that he would use a regular converter box inside the cabinet and place a dimmer switch on the wall, but the other guy he sent wasn't aware of this and placed the dimmer converter in the cabinet. This has resulted in us having to use the dimmer switch inside the cabinet instead of on a wall switch -- not what I requested. Also, I discussed with Tom installing an additional outlet in our kitchen during the bid process. After he left I noticed he did not include that on the written bid. The guy he sent didn't know about it either. The outlet was installed however. Overall, I was charged $95 additional over the bid and didn't get exactly what I wanted in regard to the dimmer switch for under cabinet lighting. Both electricians were very nice and professional, but there was definitely a communication problem in regard to the installation of the under cabinet lighting. Perhaps I should have clarified the issue more strongly, or perhaps I didn't understand. Either way, I'm happy with the lighting overall, but not 100%."
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1993
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Kelly installed a new toilet for us. He did a superb job and he deserves a raise. He has such a great attitude. He is a keeper & again, he deserves a raise!! And I am not his mother or grandmother."
+3
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 2023
Free estimates
Emergency services offered
"Needed a sub panel and my entire garage wired(7 120 outlets, 2 240 outlets, and a floodlight put in). They showed up gave a quick run threw and they knocked it out Whole process was quick and easy. Great work at a great price! Would definitely recommend!"
Serving Hecker, IL and surrounding areas
Approved
In business since 1993
Free estimates
Warranties offered
"The owner of Electronics 9-1-1 installed an eight-camera home security system in my home. The entire experience, from initial consultation to finished product, was the model on which all other advertisers' services on Homeadvisor should be based! The company owner's recommendations about installation techniques, technical knowledge and considerations, equipment capabilities, scheduling accommodations, and modifications in mid-installation to overcome unforeseen issues were all spot-on, and resulted in a system that exceeded every expectation. Would use Electronics 9-1-1 again in a heartbeat, and it is a pleasure to recommend them to anyone needing security system installation or service of the highest quality."
There is often some confusion about the type of work these professionals do. They only work on electrical systems such as outlets, lighting fixtures and electrical panels – they aren’t appliance repairmen.
There are three types of electricians: Master, Journeyman and Apprentice. Electrical licensing varies quite a bit by state. Some have licenses for apprentices and some do not. Some have a master’s rank while others stop at journeyman. Despite the differences, they all require a minimum amount of experience and usually classroom time.
Apprentice electricians aren’t usually licensed and spend 4 years learning the trade. Throughout that time, they work on a wide range of projects to learn to become a Journeyman. They’ll do basic work like installing fixtures and replacing outlets all the way to assisting in wiring a home. Regardless of the type of project, they must always be supervised by a Journeyman or Master electrician.
Journeymen work without supervision. In a few states, this is the highest level available and they can do all levels of work from wiring a new home to installing a light. In some states, they need a separate electrical contractor license to run a business. In places with a master’s level, a journeyman can do all work besides design new electrical systems.
Master electricians usually manage a shop, design new electrical systems in new construction and oversee both Journeyman and Apprentices. They typically bid new projects. Though they focus on larger projects, it’s not unheard of for a homeowner to request a Master Electrician for a house call. If you do, expect to spend up to 25% more for the visit.
Generally, you don’t tip electricians, but that’s not to say they don’t appreciate it if you do. You can offer them something to drink or eat, like coffee and donuts. Most will appreciate it if you do.
The education and certifications required to become an electrician vary by state, though they generally follow this list:
Apprentice
Does not always require a license depending on the state.
Learns on the job under Journeyman and Master Electricians.
Usually needs 4 years on-the-job training before they can test for a Journeyman license. Many states also require a technical degree to advance.
Always require supervision.
Journeyman
Needs between 8,000 to 10,000 hours of on-the-job training and usually 500 to 1,000 hours of classroom experience.
Can usually supervise apprentices.
They can diagnose and repair electrical problems.
Master
Achieved after an additional two years (4,000 hours) working as a Journeyman and taking the Master Electrician Exam.
Besides diagnosing and repairing electrical systems, they also design them. In most places they run shops and inspect Journeyman and Apprentice work.
Not a recognized rank in all states.
Electrical Contractor License is an optional license in some states for a Master Electrician to run a business. Some states have this instead of the Master license.
Electricians make an average of $26 per hour but it ranges with experience and licensing. An apprentice may make about half that while a Master Electrician may hit closer to $40 per hour. This figure represents how much they make; not how much they bill. Their salary is only one component of their costs. They must also figure in overhead, taxes, equipment, insurance and several other expenses.
Leave electrical work to the professionals. Electrical systems are complex and potentially hazardous when not handled and installed correctly. If it were easy, it wouldn’t take 4 years to become a journeyman or 6 years for a master’s license. If you are determined to forge ahead yourself, understand home electrical safety before beginning any project.Even for simple common electrical projects, a licensed pro is best. Not only is it safer, but contractors guarantee and insure their work. Hire a professional to keep your home’s electrical systems functioning properly and safely.
Use our comprehensive electrician directory page to find local, licensed contractors. You can browse ratings, reviews and pricing of top professionals in your area. Sign up to receive quotes or let us match you to an electrician near you.
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