Electricians possess vital skills to maintain, install, upgrade, and repair electrical components. Without these, most people cannot enjoy life. In Wisconsin, electricians enjoy a straightforward process to begin their careers.
Those familiar with this process right from the beginning will enjoy achieving their goals more easily. That is why we have arranged below a concise yet detailed guide elucidating everything candidates must know to launch a successful career as electricians in Wisconsin.
It includes step-by-step requirements, an overview of the licensure process, a list of the state’s top electrician programs, and more.
How to Become an Electrician in Wisconsin
The steps below are usually required to become an electrician in Wisconsin.
Step 1: Basic Requirements
Aspiring electricians in Wisconsin must enroll in a training program of their choice. However, most prominent state training programs will require a few basic requirements.
These include being a high school graduate with a diploma or having a GED equivalent in its place. Candidates will also have an edge if they possess knowledge of basic algebra, mechanical drawing, and electrical systems.
Step 2: Trade & Vocational Schools
In Wisconsin, becoming an electrician by attending a trade school or community college is possible. Here, candidates may enroll in an associate degree or certificate program, which can be completed in two years or a few months, respectively.
Those seeking more extensive and rigorous training may opt for four-year programs and earn a bachelor’s degree.
Regardless of the path chosen, candidates should be sound enough in key job areas to secure employment or consolidate their training with other education avenues.
Step 3: Apprenticeship Programs
Apprenticeship programs may be alternatives to academic programs. They may also be viable options for consolidating the classroom training acquired through community colleges and trade schools.
Non-union organizations, trade unions, and even trade schools working with professional groups offer these programs.
Candidates may be asked to complete aptitude and drug tests for admission into apprenticeship programs.
Licensure & Certification Requirements
Wisconsin has two different electrician licenses - the master license and the journeyman license. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) is responsible for issuing these licenses.
Additionally, each municipality may issue contractor licenses, the requirements for which vary by county. Typically, however, they include the steps highlighted earlier – completing a training program and acquiring a year of work experience.
Certification can also be pursued for career opportunities. Notable options include the LEED Green Associate credential offered by the U.S. Green Building Council and the Certified Automation Professional credential offered by the International Society of Automation (ISA).
Learn about licensing and certification in neighboring states:
Top Electrician Schools in Wisconsin
Below are some notable electrician schools in Wisconsin.
Milwaukee Area Technical College
Milwaukee Area Technical College is a premier institution in the state offering an electrical technology certificate program with affordable tuition and competent instructors. The program takes a few months to a year to complete. Candidates must be at least 18 years old, have a high school diploma or equivalent, and have a year of high school algebra or equivalent.
Western Technical College
Western Technical College in La Crosse is another top-class option operating at a very high educational standard. The school has produced successful electricians over the years thanks to a wonderful associate degree program known as the Electromechanical Technology program.
Accepted applicants can look forward to quality classroom training and loads of hands-on experience.
Gateway Technical College
Lastly, students at Gateway Technical College in Kenosha earn an associate degree in Electrical Engineering Technology to start their electrician careers in Wisconsin. Accepted applicants get to enjoy state-of-the-art facilities and wonderful instructors.
The program produces competent graduates who enjoy rapid career growth. Graduates may work as specialist electricians or technicians.
Explore electrician schools in Wisconsin by city:
Salary & Career Outlook
Electricians in Wisconsin are among the highest-earning in the field nationwide. Their mean annual salary is $71,203, about 3% higher than the national average. Of course, the salary one earns as an electrician in Wisconsin may be higher or lower than this figure, depending on a handful of factors, such as experience level, establishment type, and location.
Those who fall into the lower spectrum of earners usually take home around $49,814 annually, while those in the top ten percent earn as high as $101,778.
The highest-paying cities for electricians in the state are Racine, with an average annual salary of $78,228; Stevens Point, with an average annual salary of $74,842; and Sparta, with an average annual salary of $74,553.
Waukesha, with an average annual salary of $72,824, and Milwaukee, with an average annual salary of $71,103, round out the top five.
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