How to Become an HVAC Installer in Wisconsin (2026)
Wisconsin employs about 6,630 hvac installers earning a median $61,710 a year (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Most hvac installers train through a trade school program or a registered apprenticeship before entering the field in Wisconsin.
Compare HVAC Installer Schools in Wisconsin
| # | School | BOC Score (0–100) | Tuition (published, per year) | Median grad earnings (all majors) | Graduation rate | Online | Distance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fox Valley Technical College | 67.6 | $5,040 in-state / $7,283 out-of-state | $55,857 | 65% | Yes* | In-state |
| 2 | Lakeshore Technical College | 63.9 | $4,844 in-state / $7,087 out-of-state | $50,985 | 50% | Yes* | In-state |
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| 3 | Madison Area Technical College | 59.1 | $4,977 in-state / $7,255 out-of-state | $55,207 | 29% | Yes* | In-state |
| 4 | Gateway Technical College | 56.0 | $4,956 in-state / $7,199 out-of-state | $54,142 | 51% | Yes* | In-state |
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| 5 | Blackhawk Technical College | 45.1 | $4,267 in-state / $6,061 out-of-state | $56,991 | 34% | — | In-state |
Schools closest to the page's primary location are gathered first, then ranked by BOC Score; distance from the page's primary location 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.
Wisconsin employs approximately 6,630 hvac installers according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, with a median annual wage of $61,710 1. Nationally, hvac installer employment is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034, with about 40,100 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become an HVAC Installer in Wisconsin, including requirements, training programs, and salary data.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Median wage (Wisconsin): $61,710 per year 1
Quick Answers About How to Become an HVAC Installer in Wisconsin
How to become an HVAC Installer in Wisconsin? Complete a training program or apprenticeship, gain work experience, and meet any state or employer requirements for hvac installers in Wisconsin.
How long does it take? Most paths into the hvac installer field take 1 to 5 years, depending on whether you complete a trade school program, a registered apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
What do hvac installers earn in Wisconsin? The median annual wage for hvac installers in Wisconsin is $61,710 according to BLS data. Entry-level wages start around $45,930 and experienced professionals can earn $98,070 or more 1.
How to Become an HVAC Installer in Wisconsin
- Finish high school or earn a GED. Most Wisconsin training programs and registered apprenticeships require a high school diploma or GED to enroll.
- Complete a training program or apprenticeship. Enroll in an approved trade school program or a registered apprenticeship in Wisconsin that combines classroom instruction with supervised hands-on hours.
- Gain supervised work experience. Build documented on-the-job hours under a qualified supervisor as part of a registered apprenticeship or employer program in Wisconsin.
- Earn your journey card or employer qualification. Complete the registered apprenticeship or approved program, earn the journey card or employer qualification used in Wisconsin, and confirm contractor versus worker rules with the state before working unsupervised.
Steps and hour totals vary by credential level; confirm current requirements with the state board before you apply.
HVAC Installer Apprenticeship Information in Wisconsin
Apprenticeships combine paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction and typically last 3 to 5 years. Wisconsin’s apprenticeship program is administered by the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Registered Apprenticeships 3.
Contact Information:
- Office: State of Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards
- Address: 201 E Washington Ave, Madison, WI 53707
- Phone: (608) 733-3930
- Email: [email protected]
HVAC Installer Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin
Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics ( OES data), heating, air conditioning, and refrigeration mechanics and installers wages in Wisconsin vary by metro area.
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage | Avg. Annual Wage | Entry Level (10th pctile) | Experienced (90th pctile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Minneapolis-St. Paul-Bloomington | 2,420 | $77,490 | $76,270 | $48,660 | $100,660 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha | 1,620 | $62,930 | $70,230 | $46,350 | $99,740 |
| Madison | 1,020 | $63,150 | $69,250 | $45,450 | $100,900 |
| Green Bay | 420 | $61,340 | $66,590 | $44,840 | $101,290 |
| Appleton | 320 | $61,600 | $67,710 | $45,020 | $102,100 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska | 270 | $62,400 | $69,120 | $46,450 | $94,910 |
| Duluth | 170 | $75,710 | $73,510 | $48,740 | $98,970 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant | 170 | $61,740 | $69,560 | $45,420 | $101,560 |
| Eau Claire | 150 | $61,280 | $66,890 | $45,520 | $95,690 |
| Janesville-Beloit | 150 | $59,770 | $61,540 | $40,670 | $91,280 |
| Wausau | 140 | $59,110 | $62,390 | $45,370 | $91,560 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah | 130 | $60,530 | $64,180 | $48,210 | $81,880 |
| Kenosha | 120 | $61,260 | $67,190 | $44,300 | $96,290 |
| Sheboygan | 120 | $61,580 | $66,160 | $46,630 | $95,210 |
| Fond du Lac | 100 | $59,510 | $60,050 | $39,880 | $82,420 |
Wages reflect survey data and vary based on experience, credentials, employer, and local market conditions. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May .
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for hvac installers in Wisconsin? Wisconsin currently employs approximately 6,630 hvac installers 1. Nationally, hvac installer employment is projected to grow 8.1% from 2024 to 2034 2.
What training programs are available in Wisconsin? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for programs in Wisconsin. You can also contact the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Registered Apprenticeships for apprenticeship opportunities.
How much do hvac installers earn in Wisconsin compared to the national average? The median annual wage for hvac installers in Wisconsin is $61,710, which is $1,900 above the national median of $59,810 according to BLS data 1.
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Citations
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/.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics: https://www.bls.gov/oes/ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
Bureau of Labor Statistics - Employment Projections: https://www.bls.gov/emp/ ↩︎ ↩︎
Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards - Registered Apprenticeships: https://dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/appr_stats/active_wtt.pdf ↩︎
Data sources
Figures on this page are sourced from the federal and state datasets below. Methodology: how we rank and source data.
| Data | Provider | Vintage |
|---|---|---|
| Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | May 2025 |
| Employment Projections | U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics | 2024-2034 |
| Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System | National Center for Education Statistics (IPEDS) | 2024 |
| College Scorecard (school-level outcomes) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release |
| College Scorecard (field-of-study earnings) | U.S. Department of Education | latest release (updated 2026-06-12) |
| Occupational licensing requirements | CareerOneStop (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2026-02-22) |
| Registered apprenticeship programs | CareerOneStop / Apprenticeship.gov (U.S. Department of Labor) | latest release (updated 2025-10-25) |
| O*NET occupation profiles (skills, tasks, tools, job zones) | U.S. Department of Labor (O*NET / Employment & Training Admin.) | O*NET 29.1 (updated 2026-06-13) |