Trades & Labor Chicago, IL Pop. 2,693,976

Solar Installer Salary in Chicago, Illinois

The median solar installer salary in Chicago, IL is $51,007 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median and 12.6% above the Illinois state average.

City Median
$51,007
vs State Avg
+$5,720
vs National
+$3,337
Cost of Living
107%

Solar Installer Pay in Chicago: What to Expect (2026)

Chicago offers a median solar installer salary of $51,007, which is $5,720 above the Illinois state average of $45,287. Compared to the national median of $47,670, Chicago pays above average for this role.

Chicago's cost of living is 107% of the national average, meaning salary figures here closely reflect actual purchasing power. This makes direct comparisons to other cities straightforward.

The salary range for solar installers in Chicago spans from $34,240 at the 10th percentile to $77,040 at the 90th percentile — a $42,800 spread. Entry-level professionals start around $36,380, while senior solar installers with 8+ years of experience can earn up to $72,760. As a major metro area with a population of 2,693,976, Chicago typically offers more job opportunities and employer competition, which can drive salaries higher.

Solar Installer Salary in Chicago by Experience

In Chicago, an entry-level solar installer earns around $36,380, while experienced professionals earn up to $72,760 per year. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.

Entry Level (0-2 yrs)
$36,380
+$2,380 vs national
Mid Level (3-7 yrs)
$52,430
+$3,430 vs national
Senior Level (8+ yrs)
$72,760
+$4,760 vs national

Salary Percentiles in Chicago, IL

Percentile Chicago
10th Percentile $34,240
25th Percentile $40,660
Median (50th) $51,007
75th Percentile $64,200
90th Percentile $77,040

Solar Installer Salary in Other Illinois Cities

Naperville, IL
$51,484
Pop. 149,540
Aurora, IL
$45,287
Pop. 197,757
Springfield, IL
$40,520
Pop. 114,394
Rockford, IL
$39,089
Pop. 148,655

How to Become a Solar Installer in Chicago

Education

Most solar installer positions require a high school diploma. Chicago and the surrounding Illinois area have institutions offering relevant programs.

Key Skills

Solar PV SystemsElectricalRoofingSafetyBlueprint ReadingNEC Code

Job Outlook

Nationally, solar installer employment is projected to grow 22% over the next decade (much faster than average). Demand in Chicago may vary based on local industry and population growth.

Find Solar Installer Jobs in Chicago

Browse open solar installer positions in Chicago, IL:

Indeed → LinkedIn → ZipRecruiter → Glassdoor →

Frequently Asked Questions: Solar Installer Salary in Chicago

How much does a Solar Installer make in Chicago, IL? ▼
The median solar installer salary in Chicago, Illinois is $51,007 per year, which is 7.0% above the national median of $47,670. Salaries range from $34,240 (10th percentile) to $77,040 (90th percentile).
How much does a Solar Installer make per hour in Chicago? ▼
Based on the median annual salary of $51,007, a solar installer in Chicago earns approximately $25 per hour assuming a standard 2,080-hour work year.
How does Chicago compare to the Illinois state average for solar installer pay? ▼
Chicago's median solar installer salary of $51,007 is 12.6% above the Illinois state average of $45,287. The local cost of living index is 107% of the national average.
What is the cost of living in Chicago, IL? ▼
Chicago has a cost of living index of 107% compared to the national average. This means a solar installer salary of $51,007 in Chicago has less purchasing power than the same salary in an average-cost city.
What qualifications do I need to become a solar installer in Chicago? ▼
Most solar installer positions in Chicago require a high school diploma. Key skills include Solar PV Systems, Electrical, Roofing, Safety. The job market is projected to grow 22% nationally over the next decade.