Wisconsin Electrician License

In modern life, there is a growing shortage of skilled and licensed electricians. Most employers look for qualified specialists for their companies, who have passed required training and met strict qualifications.

Therefore, if you consider yourself suitable to be an electrician, you should give it a try and obtain an electrician license.

This article touches on the details of obtaining a Wisconsin electrician license and walks you through the steps of licensure.

Learn how to obtain an electrician license in Wisconsin

Initial requirements

To be eligible for an electrician license in Wisconsin, you must be at least 18 years old and have your high school diploma (or its equivalent).

Future electricians must receive professional education and earn their degree by graduating from a technical school. In addition to this, you should know that every school semester counts as 500 hours of work experience.

Technician schools, in general, include a number of useful subjects and cover topics such as:

• Math (algebra)
• Calculations
• Blueprint reading
• Electrical code
• Principles of electricity
• Electrical equipment and devices
• Motors and generators
• Renewable energy technologies
• Theory and practice
• First aid

Usually such schools take from one to two years to complete (certificate and associate programs). What is more, some of them also suggest placement in an apprenticeship program.

Meanwhile you complete the program you should also complete an apprenticeship program and gain experience. In Wisconsin, you may complete a full electrician apprenticeship, a residential electrical apprenticeship and an industrial electrical apprenticeship.

How to become an apprentice electrician

To become a licensed apprentice electrician, you must complete an apprenticeship program and apply to the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. For the license application, you will also need to present proof of an apprenticeship contract and pay the application fee of $30.

Once the Department confirms your application, you will be able to work under the supervision of a master electrician and carry out duties like cleaning up, electrical wiring and bending conduit.

How to become a journeyman electrician

To begin with, journeyman electricians must possess four years (8000 hours) of work experience or have completed an approved apprenticeship program.

Another option may be having completed a two-year program and having three years (6000 hours) of work experience as an electrician.

Once you meet these requirements, you must submit the completed application form to the Department, including the application fee of $35.

Note that you will also need to take and pass the journeyman electrician exam, which will cost you $30.

How to become a master electrician

In similar fashion, master electricians must meet some requirements and have 12 months of experience as a journeyman electrician. Another option may be having 10.000 hours of work experience.

Those, who hold a Master’s or Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering (accredited university/college), can also be eligible for licensure in Wisconsin.

If you meet one of the above-mentioned requirements, you can apply for the master electrician license by submitting the application form and the license fee of $35.

What states reciprocate with Wisconsin electrician license

As of 2021, the state of Wisconsin has a reciprocity agreement for electrician licenses with Iowa.
How much electricians make in Wisconsin

In Wisconsin, the average salary for licensed electricians is $61k. As you may guess, apprentice electricians earn less, from $35k to $45k. However, master electricians are top earners and make about $85k each year.

Generally, electricians also charge per hour, starting from $14. The fee, as a rule, depends on the expertise of the professional. That is why top electricians tend to charge a significantly more amount of money for their completed work.