Electrician in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
How to Become an Electrician in Wisconsin
To become a Journeyman Electrician in Wisconsin, individuals must obtain a state license from the Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). This typically involves completing an approved electrical construction apprenticeship program or accumulating 8,000 hours of experience over at least four years. After meeting the experience requirements, applicants must pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician Exam. Wisconsin offers reciprocity for Journeyman Electricians licensed in Iowa and New Hampshire, allowing them to apply for a Wisconsin license without re-taking the exam.
Electrician Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Department of Safety and Professional Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of an approved apprenticeship program. |
| Experience Required | 8,000.0 hours |
| Exam | Wisconsin Journeyman Electrician Exam ($95) |
| Application Fee | $35 |
| Renewal | Every 4.0 years |
| Continuing Education | 24.0 hours per cycle |
| Notes | Initial license fee is $100 (prorated for a four-year term). A Social Security Number is required for application. There is no minimum age specified for licensure, but an apprenticeship typically starts at 18. Journeyman electricians must work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician or Registered Master Electrician. |
License Tiers
Wisconsin offers multiple tiers of electrician licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Journeyman | 8,000 |
| Master | 10,000 |
Electrician Salary in Wisconsin
The median electrician salary in Wisconsin is $75,090 per year, which is 20.4% above the national median of $62,350.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $46,140 |
| 25th | $56,340 |
| 50th (median) | $75,090 |
| 75th | $91,030 |
| 90th (experienced) | $99,160 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 12,630 electricians.
Electrician Job Outlook
AI Impact on Electricians
Low AI Exposure (Score: -0.78/1.00)
This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.
Is Becoming an Electrician in Wisconsin Worth It?
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, strong job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.