Compare accredited Electrician schools across Wisconsin below, then review pay, licensing steps, and training paths for the trade.
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Best Electrician Schools in Wisconsin
How We Rank Schools
We first gather the schools closest to the city or state page you are viewing, then rank that
local group by BOC Score, with the highest at the top. The BOC Score is computed from federal
IPEDS and College Scorecard data; schools without enough data to score appear last.
LOCAL RANK
Location / proximity to this page
Defines the local group
Graduation rate
30%
Median earnings, 10 years after entry
25%
Average net price (lower is better)
20%
Retention rate
15%
Fully online availability
10%
Schools without enough federal outcome data appear after ranked schools, without a score.
Advertising never affects these rankings. Read the full methodology.
BOC Score, tuition, graduation rate, and median graduate earnings from
federal IPEDS and U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard data. Earnings
are reported across all programs at the school (all majors), not a single
trade. Distance is measured from the main population center in Wisconsin.
Schools closest to the main population center in Wisconsin are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the main population center in Wisconsin is shown for reference.
The BOC Score is an independent measure of school outcomes (graduation,
earnings, net price, retention) expressed as a 0–100 percentile within
each school's peer group; higher is better and advertising never affects it.
*Online availability refers to coursework; hands-on trade training is
completed in person. Read the full methodology.
Median Graduate Earnings at Electrician Schools in WisconsinSource: U.S. Dept. of Education College Scorecard - median earnings of all graduates at each school (not a single program).
Median graduate earnings by school for schools serving Best Electrician Schools in Wisconsin
School
Median graduate earnings
Waukesha County Technical College
$57,764
Chippewa Valley Technical College
$57,493
Fox Valley Technical College
$55,857
Madison Area Technical College
$55,207
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
$54,887
Mid-State Technical College
$53,827
Electrician Pay and Job Outlook
What electricians earn across the pay scaleProjected job growth for electriciansTop-paying states for electricians
Wisconsin Quick Facts
Metric
Value
Source
State median annual wage
$76,540
BLS OEWS, May 2025
State employment
14,310 workers
BLS OEWS, May 2025
State location quotient
1.00
BLS OEWS, May 2025
State unemployment rate
3.2%
BLS LAUS (2024)
Federal Davis-Bacon prevailing wage
$79.12/hr ($50.86 base + $28.26 fringe)
DOL Wage and Hour Division, 2026
Top Cities for Electrician Training in Wisconsin
The cities below have the highest concentration of electrician training programs and population centers within Wisconsin. Click through for school listings near each:
If you want to become an electrician in Wisconsin, your first step is to get solid training. The right school will prepare you with classroom learning, hands-on skills, and the knowledge to meet state licensing requirements. In Wisconsin, electricians are licensed by the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS), so your program needs to meet their standards.
How Electrician Licensing Works in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you typically start as an electrical apprentice and work your way up.
Basic pathway:
Complete a technical diploma or associate degree in electrical technology or enroll in an apprenticeship.
Accumulate a set number of supervised work hours.
Pass the state exam for the type of license you seek.
State rule: The Wisconsin DSPS requires most electrician applicants to document at least 7,000 to 8,000 hours of on-the-job training under a licensed electrician before testing.
What to Look for in a Wisconsin Electrician School
When choosing an electrical trade program, focus on:
Accreditation - Look for technical colleges accredited by reputable agencies.
State-approved curriculum - Ensures your hours count toward licensing.
Hands-on labs - Electrical work is a practical skill, so labs are essential.
Apprenticeship connections - Schools that link you to unions or contractors make finding work easier.
Flexible schedules - If you’re working, evening or online theory classes help.
Steps to Start Your Electrician Career in Wisconsin
Decide your training route. Choose between a technical diploma, associate degree, or direct apprenticeship.
Apply to a state-approved program. Make sure the school meets DSPS requirements.
Complete coursework and labs. Learn electrical code, blueprint reading, and safety procedures.
Log supervised work hours. Track all hours carefully for licensing.
Apply for the state exam. Submit proof of hours and education to DSPS.
Pass the exam. Once you pass, you’ll receive your license and can work unsupervised.
Extra Tips from the Field
Start networking early. Instructors often know contractors looking for apprentices.
Stay current on the National Electrical Code (NEC). Wisconsin licensing exams rely on it.
Prioritize safety. Electrical work has hazards; OSHA training can help you avoid injuries.
Keep learning. Technology changes fast in this trade.
Summary and Next Step
To become an electrician in Wisconsin, you’ll need state-approved training, thousands of hours of supervised work, and a passing exam score. The schools listed above offer solid programs that can set you on the right path. Your next step is to contact the programs you’re most interested in, ask about start dates, and apply. The sooner you start your training, the sooner you can begin working toward your license.
Electrician Wages and Workforce in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, Electrician programs train for an occupation with a median wage of about $76,540 per year, and most earn between $44,830 and $101,770 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Wisconsin employs roughly 14,310 workers in this occupation, a workforce concentration of about 1.00 times the national average (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
Trade-relevant schools serving Wisconsin include Fox Valley Technical College, Moraine Park Technical College, and Southwest Wisconsin Technical College. Compare tuition, program length, and graduation outcomes in the table above (IPEDS and College Scorecard).
Electrician Training and Licensing in Wisconsin
Licensing for Electrician varies by state and locality. Confirm current training, exam, and credential requirements with the appropriate Wisconsin licensing board before you enroll; many employers also look for recognized industry certifications.
Training paths typically range from certificate programs (6 to 12 months) and associate degrees (about 2 years) to registered apprenticeships (3 to 5 years) that combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction (TradeCareerPath program data).
Frequently Asked Questions
What does electrician training in Wisconsin involve?
Electrician training in Wisconsin is offered through trade school certificate programs (typically 6 to 12 months), community college associate degree programs (about 2 years), and registered apprenticeships that combine paid on-the-job training with related classroom instruction over 3 to 5 years. Coursework generally covers safety, applicable codes and standards, hands-on lab work, and exam preparation for any required credential.
How much do electricians earn in Wisconsin?
According to BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025), electricians in Wisconsin earned a median annual wage of approximately $76,540. Pay varies with experience, certification, and employer; the 10th to 90th percentile range was approximately $44,830 to $101,770 (BLS OEWS, May 2025).
What is the Wisconsin license or certification process for electricians?
Licensing for electricians in Wisconsin is administered by Division of Professional Credential Processing. Most candidates complete an approved training program or registered apprenticeship, log the required on-the-job hours, and pass a state exam. Confirm current hour totals, fees, and renewal terms directly with the licensing agency before enrolling. (Source: U.S. Department of Labor CareerOneStop license database.)
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade school and career guide using federal labor and education data, including BLS OEWS and Employment Projections, DOL apprenticeship records, IPEDS, College Scorecard, and state licensing boards. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.
