How to Become A Recovery Coach in Wisconsin
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Wisconsin employs approximately 630 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category (SOC 21-1094), with a median annual wage of $51,210 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 11.3% from 2024 to 2034, with about 7,800 openings per year 2. This page covers how to become a recovery coach in Wisconsin, including certification options, training programs, and salary data.
A note on salary data: The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not track recovery coach salaries as a separate category. The wage figures on this page are based on the closest matching BLS classification: Community Health Workers (SOC 21-1094). Actual recovery coach earnings may vary.
Quick Answers About Becoming A Recovery Coach in Wisconsin
How do I become a recovery coach in Wisconsin? Wisconsin requires credentials such as REFRIGERANT RECOVERY OPERATOR, SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR. The licensing authority is the WI Dept of Natural Resources - Division of Air & Waste 3. You also need to complete an approved training program or apprenticeship.
How long does it take? Most paths take 1 to 5 years depending on whether you choose trade school, an apprenticeship, or a combination of both.
Do I need a license in Wisconsin? Yes. Wisconsin has licensing or registration requirements for recovery coachs. The WI Dept of Natural Resources - Division of Air & Waste oversees licensing 3. See the licensing section below for details.
What do recovery coachs earn in Wisconsin? The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. Based on the related “Community Health Workers” category, the median annual wage in Wisconsin is $51,210, with entry-level wages around $39,010 and experienced workers earning $71,450 or more 1.
At a Glance
- Training paths: trade school, community college, or apprenticeship
- Typical timeline: 1 to 5 years depending on the path
- Licensing authority: WI Dept of Natural Resources - Division of Air & Waste
- Median wage (Wisconsin): $51,210 per year (based on related “Community Health Workers” category) 1
Recovery Coach License Requirements in Wisconsin
The WI Dept of Natural Resources - Division of Air & Waste oversees recovery coach licensing in Wisconsin 3.
License Types
| License | Requirements |
|---|---|
| REFRIGERANT RECOVERY OPERATOR | The regulations require that persons who recover regulated refrigerants from salvaged items must themselves hold the appropriate certification for the type of equipment being recovered, or be directly… |
| SUBSTANCE ABUSE COUNSELOR | A Certified Substance Abuse Counselor* is a professional who has specialized education in substance abuse and training related to the performance of the eight practice dimensions, counseling theories… |
Additional Requirements
- Background check: No criminal record prohibitions
License information sourced from CareerOneStop 4.
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin
Recovery Coach Wages by Metro Area in Wisconsin
Note: The BLS does not track recovery coach wages separately. The data below is based on the closest matching category: Community Health Workers (SOC 21-1094).
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025 OES data), community health workers 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 | 860 | $48,340 | $53,450 | $44,200 | $70,180 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha | 160 | $49,920 | $51,770 | $38,440 | $69,150 |
| Madison | 100 | $56,040 | $55,870 | $42,110 | $69,240 |
| Duluth | 50 | $44,360 | $49,430 | $38,630 | $73,450 |
| Eau Claire | 40 | $78,090 | $65,950 | $42,630 | $78,090 |
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 2025.
Top Metros for Recovery coaches in Wisconsin
The metropolitan areas listed below report the highest recovery coach employment within Wisconsin according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (May 2025).
| Metro Area | Employment | Median Annual Wage |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee-Waukesha | 160 | $49,920 |
| Madison | 100 | $56,040 |
| Eau Claire | 40 | $78,090 |
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the job outlook for recovery coachs in Wisconsin? Wisconsin employs approximately 630 workers in the related “Community Health Workers” category 1. Nationally, employment in this category is projected to grow 11.3% from 2024 to 2034 2.
Can I work as a recovery coach in Wisconsin with an out-of-state license? Contact the WI Dept of Natural Resources - Division of Air & Waste for details on reciprocity and credential transfer.
What training programs are available in Wisconsin? Options include trade schools, community colleges, and apprenticeship programs. Use the school finder above to search for accredited programs in Wisconsin.
How much do recovery coachs earn in Wisconsin compared to the national average? The median annual wage for recovery coachs in Wisconsin is $51,210 (based on the related “Community Health Workers” category), which is $180 above the national median of $51,030 according to BLS data 1.
Citations
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/ ↩︎ ↩︎
WI Dept of Natural Resources - Division of Air & Waste - Licensing Information: http://dnr.wi.gov/topic/AirQuality/Refrigerants.html ↩︎ ↩︎ ↩︎
CareerOneStop - Licensed Occupations: https://www.careeronestop.org/Toolkit/Training/find-licenses.aspx ↩︎
About this guide: Researched and written by the TradeCareerPath Editorial Team. Our editorial team researches and sources every trade career guide using BLS, DOL, and state licensing data. We follow the editorial standards documented at /editorial-policy/.