Electrician in Wisconsin

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$75,090

trending_up +20.4% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

12,630

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Surging

+9.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$130

Licensing fees

schedule

4 years (apprenticeship) or 4-7 years (experience)

Time to complete

route How to become an electrician in Wisconsin

To become a Journeyman Electrician in Wisconsin, individuals must obtain a state license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This typically involves completing an approved electrical construction apprenticeship program or accumulating 8,000 hours of experience over at least four years. After meeting the experience requirements, applicants must pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician Exam. Wisconsin offers reciprocity for Journeyman Electricians licensed in Iowa and New Hampshire, allowing them to apply for a Wisconsin license without re-taking the exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $46,140

25th percentile $56,340

50th (median) $75,090

75th percentile $91,030

90th (experienced) $99,160

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Wisconsin. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	Department of Safety and Professional Services
State license	Required
Education	Completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
Experience	8,000.0 hours
Exam	Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician Exam ($95)
Application fee	$35
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Initial license fee is $100 (prorated for a four-year term). A Social Security Number is required for application. There is no minimum age specified for licensure, but an apprenticeship typically starts at 18. Journeyman electricians must work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician or Registered Master Electrician.

Source: Department of Safety and Professional Services

workspace_premium Wisconsin license tiers

Wisconsin offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Apprentice	N/A
Journeyman	8,000
Master	10,000

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+9.5%

Much faster than average

Annual openings

81,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

818,700

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -0.78/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

check_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleStrong 10-year job growth (+9.5%)
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if an electrician career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

How do I become an electrician in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, becoming an electrician requires you to complete the required education (Completion of an approved apprenticeship program.), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician Exam, and submit your application ($35 fee).

Does Wisconsin require electrician licensure? expand_more

Yes, Wisconsin requires a state license to practice as an electrician. The licensing body is Department of Safety and Professional Services. You must pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician Exam.

How much do electricians make in Wisconsin? expand_more

electricians in Wisconsin earn a median of $75,090 annually. — 20% higher than the $62,350 national figure. Wages range from $46,140 (10th percentile) up to $99,160 (90th percentile).

How much does it cost to become an electrician in Wisconsin? expand_more

Between exam fee ($95) and application fee ($35), expect to invest around varies in total to get started.

How many months or years does electrician certification take in Wisconsin? expand_more

Expect to spend 4 years (apprenticeship) or 4-7 years (experience) from start to finish in Wisconsin — covering coursework, supervised experience, and examination.

Does Wisconsin require continuing education for electricians? expand_more

License renewal in Wisconsin requires completing 24.0 hours of continuing education on a 4.0-year cycle.