Featured Careers
- Electrician
- Industrial Maintenance Technician
- Welder
WISCONSIN TRADE CAREER DATA
Skilled Trade Careers in Wisconsin
Explore electrician, plumber, HVAC technician, welder, carpenter, and other skilled trade career opportunities in Wisconsin. Compare salaries, training requirements, licensing rules, and job outlook.
Salary information
Training pathways
Licensing requirements
STATE WORKFORCE OVERVIEW
Wisconsin Skilled Trade Snapshot
Training Pathways
- Apprenticeships
- Trade schools
- Employer training
Major Industries
- Advanced Manufacturing
- Food Processing
- Construction
Career Guide Navigation
Featured Trade Careers in Wisconsin
Compare selected career paths using available salary, training, and outlook data.
Electrician in Wisconsin
- Median Salary
- $75,090
- Training
- 4–5 Years Apprenticeship
- Job Outlook
- +9% (2024–2034)
Industrial Maintenance Technician in Wisconsin
- Training
- 1–2 Years
- Job Outlook
- +16%（2024–2034）
Welder in Wisconsin
- Median Salary
- $58,410
- Training
- 6 Months–2 Years
- Job Outlook
- +2% (2024–2034)
Wisconsin Trade Career Guides
Open a state-specific profile for salary, licensing, training, and career requirements.
Heavy Equipment Operator
Wisconsin Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Carpenter
Wisconsin Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Welder
Wisconsin Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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HVAC Technician
Wisconsin Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Plumber
Wisconsin Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Electrician
Wisconsin Career Guide
Salary Licensing Training
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Top Trade Careers in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers career opportunities across construction, energy, transportation, maintenance, manufacturing, and other skilled trade industries. Popular trade careers often include electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, welders, carpenters, diesel mechanics, and heavy equipment operators.
Trade Salary Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers competitive wages for skilled trade professionals across manufacturing, construction, utilities, food processing, transportation, and healthcare industries. Earnings vary based on experience, certifications, employer type, union membership, and geographic location. Metropolitan areas such as Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, and Appleton often provide strong employment opportunities due to continued industrial investment and infrastructure development.
Training and Apprenticeship Options in Wisconsin
Wisconsin offers multiple pathways into skilled trade careers through technical colleges, registered apprenticeship programs, employer-sponsored training, labor unions, and workforce development initiatives. Many skilled trades combine classroom instruction with paid on-the-job training, allowing workers to develop practical skills while earning income.
Wisconsin Apprenticeship Opportunities
Registered apprenticeship programs are one of the most effective ways to begin a skilled trade career in Wisconsin. Apprenticeships are available for electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, industrial maintenance technicians, welders, construction trades, and manufacturing occupations. Most programs combine paid work experience with classroom instruction while preparing workers for licensing or industry-recognized certifications.
Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
Licensing requirements in Wisconsin vary depending on the occupation. Electricians, plumbers, HVAC contractors, and certain construction professionals may require state-issued licenses, certifications, examinations, or contractor registration. Workers should verify current licensing requirements with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) before working independently.
Fastest Growing Trade Careers in Wisconsin
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Electrician
Welder
HVAC Technician
Commercial Plumber
Heavy Equipment Operator
Diesel Mechanic
Automotive Technician
Top Industries Hiring Skilled Trades in Wisconsin
Skilled trade workers in Wisconsin may find opportunities across several major industries. Demand can vary by region, economic growth, population trends, infrastructure investment, and employer needs.
Advanced Manufacturing
Food Processing
Construction
Industrial Machinery Manufacturing
Utilities
Healthcare Facilities
Transportation & Logistics
Infrastructure & Public Works
Why Wisconsin Is One of America's Best States for Skilled Trades
Wisconsin has one of the strongest manufacturing economies in the Midwest, creating consistent demand for skilled trade professionals. The state's industrial machinery, food processing, paper products, construction, utilities, and healthcare industries rely on experienced electricians, industrial maintenance technicians, welders, HVAC technicians, plumbers, and other skilled workers. Combined with affordable living costs, a respected technical college system, and strong apprenticeship opportunities, Wisconsin offers excellent long-term career prospects.
Major Cities for Trade Careers in Wisconsin
Skilled trade opportunities in Wisconsin are often concentrated around major metro areas, growing suburbs, industrial centers, and regions with strong construction, energy, transportation, and maintenance demand.
Milwaukee
Madison
Green Bay
Kenosha
Appleton
Racine
Eau Claire
Oshkosh
Janesville
La Crosse
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best trade careers in Wisconsin?
Industrial maintenance technician, electrician, welder, HVAC technician, plumber, diesel mechanic, heavy equipment operator, and automotive technician are among the most in-demand skilled trade careers in Wisconsin.
Are apprenticeships available in Wisconsin?
Yes. Wisconsin offers apprenticeship opportunities through employers, labor unions, technical colleges, workforce development organizations, and registered apprenticeship programs across manufacturing, construction, utilities, and industrial trades.
Which Wisconsin cities have the most trade jobs?
Milwaukee, Madison, Green Bay, Kenosha, Appleton, Racine, Eau Claire, Oshkosh, Janesville, and La Crosse are among the largest employment markets for skilled trade professionals in Wisconsin.
Do skilled trades require licenses in Wisconsin?
Some skilled trades require state-issued licenses, certifications, examinations, or contractor registration depending on the occupation and type of work performed. Workers should review current Wisconsin licensing requirements before working independently.
Is Wisconsin a good state for skilled trade careers?
Yes. Wisconsin's manufacturing sector, industrial machinery production, food processing industry, utilities, and construction market continue to create strong long-term opportunities for skilled trade professionals. The state's well-established apprenticeship system also supports career advancement.