What are the hourly rates in Chicago for renovation in 2021?

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median hourly rate for contractors are is $29.44. 

Hourly rates vary and workers who belong to a union typically receive higher rates than those who do not. The average pay range of unionized contractors in Chicago is also dependent on several factors, including education, years of experience, certifications, and additional skills.

Illinois Department of Labor Prevailing Wage

For public work in Illinois, prevailing wages are set by each county, including base rate, overtime pay, health and welfare benefits, pension, and training benefits. As of May 24, 2021, these are the prevailing wages of select trades in Cook County, from a list of 70.

Trade Base Overtime (M-F) Overtime (Sat) Overtime (Sun) Overtime (Holiday) Health & Welfare Pension Training
Brick mason 47.56 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 11.20 20.51 0.97
Carpenter 49.76 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 11.79 23.34 0.73
Cement mason 47.00 2.0 1.5 2.0 2.0 15.75 19.73 1.00
Electrician 50.00 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 15.95 17.49 1.76
Painter 48.30 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 12.51 14.24 1.87
Plasterer 45.00 1.5 1.5 1.5 2.0 15.75 18.14 1.25
Plumber 52.00 1.5 1.5 2.0 2.0 16.22 15.60 1.40

Union Workers Rates

As of June 1, 2021, Chicago Laborers’ District Council reached a five-year agreement with the following contractor associations:

  • MARBA (Mid-America Regional Bargaining Association)
  • CAICA (Chicago Area Independent Construction Association)
  • ISPA (Illinois Small Pavers Association)
  • CASA (Chicago Area Scaffolding Association)
  • CCA (Concrete Contractors Association of Greater Chicago)
  • CAWGC (Contractors’ Association of Will & Grundy Countries)
  • CARCO (Chicago-Area Rail Contractors Organization)

Agreed upon wages are listed as follows:

Laborers

District Council of Chicago wages per hour

Category Amount
Wages $45.90
Health and Welfare $16.55
Pension $14.71
Training Fund $0.90
LDCLMCC $0.17
Industry Fund $0.06
LECET $0.07
CCSC $0.01
CISCO $0.01
TOTAL $78.38

Carpenters

Cook, Lake, and DuPage County wages per hour

Category Apprentice Supervisor Foreman
Wages $50.86 $52.86 $53.86
Health and Welfare $11.79 $11.79 $11.79
Pension $15.76 $15.76 $15.76
Supplemental Retirement Fund $9.00 $9.00 $9.00
Apprentice Training Fund $0.68 $0.68 $0.68
Carpentry Advancement Fund $0.46 $0.46 $0.46
International Funds $0.11 $0.11 $0.11
Industry Advancement Fund $0.06 $0.06 $0.06
CCSC $0.01 $0.01 $0.01
CISCO $0.01 $0.01 $0.01
TOTAL $88.74 $90.74 $91.74

Cement Mason

(Cook and DuPage) wages per hour

Category Journeyman Foreman
Wages $47.50 $49.50
Health and Welfare $13.80 $13.80
Saving Administration $0.03 $0.03
Apprentice Fund $1.00 $1.00
Annuity Fund $2.00 $2.00
Industry Fund $0.06 $0.06
CCSC $0.01 $0.01
CISCO $0.01 $0.01
LMCC $0.10 $0.10
OPCMIA International training Fund $0.11 $0.11
TOTAL $86.31 $88.31

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