Electrician in Wisconsin: Salary, License Requirements, and How to Start
Skilled trades
Wisconsin employs 14,310 electricians, with a statewide median of $76,540 and wide variation by city and experience. Here is the real wage data, the exact Wisconsin licensing picture, and where to train.
What Electricians Earn in Wisconsin (May 2025)
- Wisconsin median pay
- $76,540 (May 2025)
- Starting range (10th percentile)
- $44,830
- Experienced (75th percentile)
- $93,780
- Top earners (90th percentile)
- $101,770
- Employed in Wisconsin
- 14,310
- U.S. median (for comparison)
- $62,350 (May 2024)
Wages vary substantially by metro. Median annual pay for electricians in major Wisconsin markets:
- Duluth
- $82,700 (680 employed)
- Minneapolis
- $81,890 (8,810 employed)
- Madison
- $78,430 (1,760 employed)
- Milwaukee
- $77,800 (4,490 employed)
- Green Bay
- $77,260 (910 employed)
- Appleton
- $66,830 (810 employed)
What That Pay Is Worth in Wisconsin
Prices in Wisconsin run about 6% below the national average (cost-of-living index 94.1 vs a U.S. baseline of 100, 2024), so the $76,540 median stretches to roughly $81,339 in national buying-power terms.
Job Outlook in Wisconsin (2024–2034)
Wisconsin is projected to grow electricians employment +15.1%, faster than the +9.5% projected nationally. The state expects about 1,470 openings a year, counting both growth and workers who retire or move on.
Wisconsin License and Certification Requirements
Journeyman Electrician license — regulated by the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS).
- Be 18+ and complete a registered electrical apprenticeship (work experience plus related instruction).
- Pass the journeyman electrical exam.
- Apply to DSPS; advance to a Master Electrician license to run your own jobs.
Official requirements: Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) →
Training in Wisconsin
IBEW/IEC apprenticeships are the earn-while-you-learn route. Wisconsin DSPS licenses electricians statewide at apprentice, journeyman, and master levels.
Real training providers and registered apprenticeships in Wisconsin include:
- Blackhawk Technical College — Certificate
- Chippewa Valley Technical College — Certificate
- Fox Valley Technical College — Certificate
- Gateway Technical College — Certificate
Is This the Right Move for You?
Best for: People who like tools, systems, problem solving, and earning while they train.
Think twice if: You need desk-only work or dislike tight spaces, heights, job sites, and physical risk.
Why it's resilient: Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
First Steps
Look for IBEW, IEC, ABC, or state apprenticeship openings near you.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electricians make in Wisconsin?
The median wage for electricians in Wisconsin is $76,540 per year (May 2025, BLS). Entry-level pay (10th percentile) starts around $44,830, and top earners (90th percentile) make about $101,770. Pay varies by metro and years of experience.
What license or certification do you need to become an Electrician in Wisconsin?
Journeyman Electrician license, overseen by the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS). Be 18+ and complete a registered electrical apprenticeship (work experience plus related instruction).
Is being an Electrician a good career in Wisconsin?
Electrical work is site-specific, licensed, safety-critical, and often requires hands-on diagnosis in messy real buildings.
Which Wisconsin metros pay electricians the most?
Among Wisconsin metro areas, Duluth leads at $82,700, followed by Minneapolis ($81,890), Madison ($78,430). Local pay tracks regional demand and cost of living, so the highest-paying metro isn't always the best net move.
Where can I train to become an Electrician in Wisconsin?
Real Wisconsin options include Blackhawk Technical College, Chippewa Valley Technical College, Fox Valley Technical College. Most electricians start with an accredited program, then earn the credential the state or employer requires.
Is Electrician a growing career in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects electricians employment to change +15.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,470 openings a year — a growing field in the state.
Sources and Verification
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), Wisconsin statewide and metro estimates for SOC 47-2111. Licensing summary compiled from the Wisconsin Dept. of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS) (2026-06-11). Requirements change — always confirm current rules with the board and verify program costs and outcomes before enrolling.
BLS Occupational Outlook · O*NET Wisconsin wages · Wisconsin licensing/certification source
Employment projections: Projections Central / BLS Employment Projections (2024–2034); Cost of living: BEA Regional Price Parities.
Pay percentiles describe current workers, not entry-level offers; training costs and local demand vary, so verify locally before committing money or quitting a job.