Automotive Technician Career Guide in Wisconsin
Explore automotive technician salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Wisconsin.
Career Guide Navigation
How to Become an Automotive Technician in Wisconsin
Wisconsin technicians train through the Wisconsin Technical College System, dealership programs and manufacturer-supported pathways.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Automotive Technician Salary in Wisconsin
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Wisconsin median wage for automotive technician workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $49,670, the median wage in Wisconsin is approximately $4,680 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Automotive Technicians in Wisconsin
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONAutomotive Technician Training Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin automotive technicians commonly complete a technical-college program, dealership apprenticeship, or manufacturer pathway. Training should cover:
- Engine repair, fuel, ignition, and performance systems
- Automatic transmission and drivetrain systems
- Brakes, steering, suspension, tires, and alignment
- Electrical systems, vehicle networks, and diagnostics
- HVAC, hybrid, electric-vehicle, and high-voltage systems
- ADAS, scan tools, service documentation, and shop safety
ASE credentials are voluntary but frequently preferred. EPA Section 609 certification is required for regulated automotive refrigerant service.
Automotive Technician Training Providers in Wisconsin
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College – Automotive Technology | Milwaukee | View Program |
| Waukesha County Technical College – Automotive Technology | Pewaukee | View Program |
| Fox Valley Technical College – Automotive Technology | Appleton | View Program |
| Madison Area Technical College – Automotive Technician | Madison | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESAutomotive Technician Apprenticeship Programs in Wisconsin
Automotive Technician Youth and Registered Apprenticeship
Organization: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Automotive Technician Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin does not issue a general occupational license for automotive technicians. ASE, EPA Section 609 and manufacturer certifications may be required by employers or for particular repair activities.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSAutomotive Technician Job Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin automotive technician employment is projected to grow 4% from 2024 to 2034, increasing from approximately 13,290 to 13,820 jobs, with about 1,150 openings annually. Dealership service, fleet maintenance, advanced diagnostics and replacement hiring support demand.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the automotive technician salary in Wisconsin?
The statewide median wage for automotive technicians in Wisconsin is approximately $54,350 per year, or $26.13 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Wisconsin require automotive technician licensing?
No statewide occupational license is generally required for automotive technician workers in Wisconsin. Local jurisdictions, employers, or specific work scopes may still impose requirements, so applicants should verify current rules before beginning work.
How long does it take to become an automotive technician in Wisconsin?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 6 Months–2 Years, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are automotive technicians in demand in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects automotive technician employment to grow by approximately 4% from 2024 to 2034, with about 1,150 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Wisconsin Wages for Automotive Technician (SOC 49-3023) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Automotive Technician Wages
- Wisconsin Automotive Technician Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Automotive Technician Employment Trends
- No Statewide Automotive Technician Licensing Authority — Licensing authority. No Statewide Automotive Technician Licensing Authority