Wisconsin Trade Schools and Apprenticeships
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Showing all schools and apprenticeships in Wisconsin.
We only list Accredited Schools and U.S. Department of Labor–registered Apprenticeships. Programs cannot pay to be featured.
Cost & Timeline to a Trade Career in Wisconsin
Average Cost of Trade School in Wisconsin
Most trade programs in Wisconsin are offered through public technical schools and community colleges. The tuition figures below are a baseline for many career programs, while total out-of-pocket cost can vary by trade due to lab time, tools, and certification or licensing requirements.
In Wisconsin, manufacturing and industrial maintenance needs can support steady demand for welding, mechanical, and electrical trades.
Residency matters: Out-of-state tuition is about $1,906 higher than in-state on average.
| Wisconsin Public 2-Year Tuition (In-State) | $4,959 |
|---|---|
| Wisconsin Public 2-Year Tuition (Out-of-State) | $6,865 |
What this usually does not include: Tools/PPE, books, lab fees, certification exams, travel, and program-specific supply costs.
Trade type: Lab-heavy programs (welding, electrical, industrial maintenance) can carry higher equipment and lab fees than shorter programs (like CDL).
Average Cost of Apprenticeship in Wisconsin
Apprenticeships are often paid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs while you build skills through supervised work and related instruction. Your out-of-pocket costs are often minimal to none (as the apprentice). The employer will typically cover tuition, while you earn a salary. Potential out-of-pocket costs for apprenticeships may include supplies, tools, or travel.
About this data: Tuition data sources include Apprenticeship.gov, College Scorecard and the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES). Actual costs may vary by program length, residency, and supplies.
Wisconsin Timeline, Pay & Licensing
- Wisconsin trade pathways often rely on structured apprenticeships. Many entry-level programs take 6–24 months, while apprenticeships commonly run 3–5 years with defined related instruction hours.
- Licensing requirements vary by trade and locality. Some regulated work may require licensing and exams, with local permitting/inspection common—verify requirements for your trade and municipality.
- Some trades require additional classroom hours, exams, or documented work hours. That can increase total time-in-training and overall cost.
- Requirements vary by trade and locality—some paths require exams and documented hours, while others focus more on employer training.
Typical timelines by trade
| Trade | School (Typical) | Apprenticeship (Typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Electrician | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| Plumber | 6–18 months | 3–5 years |
| HVAC Technician | 6–18 months | 2–5 years |
| Welder | 4–12 months | 1–4 years |
| Carpenter | 3–12 months | 3–4 years |
| CDL Truck Driver | 1–3 months | 0–1 year |
Timelines are general ranges and can vary by program, employer, and licensing requirements.
Average Trade Wages in Wisconsin
Below is a snapshot of typical wages for popular trades in Wisconsin. Figures are pulled from our state wage datasets for each trade.
Tip: Click a trade name to explore pay trends, training paths, and state-by-state comparisons.
| Trade | Avg Hourly | Avg Weekly | Avg Monthly | Avg Annual |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Automotive Technician | $27.00 | $1,080 | $4,684 | $56,195 |
| AV Technician | $33.58 | $1,343 | $5,821 | $69,846 |
| Carpenter | $26.29 | $1,053 | $4,564 | $54,763 |
| CDL Truck Driver | $36.25 | $1,450 | $6,285 | $75,420 |
| CNC Machinist | $24.87 | $995 | $4,311 | $51,730 |
| Construction | $26.40 | $1,056 | $4,576 | $54,912 |
| Concrete Finisher | $28.94 | $1,158 | $5,016 | $60,195 |
| Diesel Technician | $30.03 | $1,201 | $5,205 | $62,462 |
| Electrician | $31.79 | $1,271 | $5,510 | $66,123 |
| Heavy Equipment | $25.94 | $1,020 | $4,418 | $53,013 |
| HVAC Technician | $29.27 | $1,172 | $5,077 | $60,922 |
| Industrial Mechanic | $28.94 | $1,158 | $5,017 | $60,199 |
| Ironworker | $27.57 | $1,103 | $4,779 | $57,345 |
| Lineworker | $43.19 | $1,728 | $7,487 | $89,840 |
| Marine Mechanic | $29.91 | $1,196 | $5,184 | $62,215 |
| Mason | $28.11 | $1,124 | $4,872 | $58,469 |
| Plumber | $33.68 | $1,323 | $5,734 | $68,802 |
| Roofer | $25.15 | $1,006 | $4,359 | $52,312 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $26.63 | $1,040 | $4,502 | $54,018 |
| Welder | $25.47 | $1,013 | $4,389 | $52,662 |
Wage figures are estimates and can vary by experience level, metro area, union status, and employer.
Why Wisconsin Is a Strong State for Trade Careers
Wisconsin’s trade economy is anchored by manufacturing, industrial maintenance, utilities, and commercial construction rather than rapid population growth. Long-established factories, food processing plants, paper mills, and energy infrastructure create consistent demand for electricians, millwrights, welders, pipefitters, HVAC technicians, and industrial mechanics across the state.
Looking for ways to fund your education? Check out scholarships available for Wisconsin students and explore more financial aid resources at CollegeWhale.
Where Trade Demand Is Concentrated
- Milwaukee metro area: Commercial construction, manufacturing facilities, and healthcare systems support electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and maintenance trades.
- Fox Valley & Green Bay: Paper production, food processing, and industrial manufacturing drive demand for welders, millwrights, and industrial electricians.
- Statewide rural regions: Utilities, agriculture-related processing plants, and energy infrastructure support steady skilled trade employment.
Major Employers and Contractors in Wisconsin
Many skilled trade jobs in Wisconsin are tied to long-term industrial and utility employers rather than short-term construction cycles, including:
- Johnson Controls — HVAC systems manufacturing and service operations headquartered in Milwaukee.
- Briggs & Stratton — Manufacturing and industrial maintenance roles.
- Wisconsin Energy Corporation (WEC Energy Group) — Electrical generation, transmission, and utility infrastructure.
- Rockwell Automation — Industrial automation manufacturing and technical maintenance roles.
Union vs Non-Union Trade Paths in Wisconsin
Wisconsin supports both union and non-union trade pathways, with unions playing a strong role in industrial facilities, utilities, and large commercial projects. Non-union employment is common in residential construction, service trades, and smaller manufacturing operations.
Union Apprenticeships in Wisconsin
Union apprenticeship programs in Wisconsin are closely tied to manufacturing plants, utilities, and commercial construction:
- IBEW Local 494 — Electrical apprenticeships serving the Milwaukee area.
- IBEW Local 2150 — Utility and electrical work in northeastern Wisconsin.
- UA Local 601 — Plumbing, pipefitting, and HVAC apprenticeships based in Milwaukee.
- SMART Local 18 — Sheet metal and HVAC fabrication training across Wisconsin.
- IUOE Local 139 — Heavy equipment operator apprenticeships supporting construction and infrastructure projects statewide.
Non-Union and Open-Shop Trade Routes
Non-union trade work is widely available in residential construction, HVAC service, and smaller manufacturing facilities. Many employers provide direct on-the-job training, particularly for maintenance technicians and entry-level production trades.
In Wisconsin, long-term trade careers are often built through specialization in industrial maintenance, utilities, or manufacturing support rather than high-turnover residential construction.
| Factor | Union Apprenticeships | Non-Union / Open-Shop |
|---|---|---|
| Training Structure | Formal apprenticeships tied to industry and utilities | Employer-based training with plant-specific skills |
| Pay Progression | Contract-based wage scales | Raises based on skill level and tenure |
| Benefits | Pension and healthcare common | Varies by employer and industry |
| Primary Job Types | Industrial plants, utilities, large commercial projects | Residential, service, smaller manufacturing |
| Best Fit For | Those targeting long-term industrial stability | Those seeking flexibility or faster entry |