Long, cold winters and warm summers drive heavy four-season HVAC demand across Wisconsin. Average pay runs $67,410/year — 4.1% above the national average — with 6,630 techs employed across Milwaukee, Kenosha, and Eau Claire.
Salary Distribution
10th Pct
$45,930
entry-level
25th Pct
$50,840
early career
Median
$61,710
typical wage
75th Pct
$79,100
experienced
90th Pct
$98,070
senior tech
Wage data source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025
Metro Markets
$69,560
$45,420
$101,560
170
$64,180
$48,210
$81,880
130
Metro-level salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS May 2025. Cities ranked by HVAC employment count.
Licensing
Authority: Wisconsin Department of Safety & Professional Services (DSPS)
License type: HVAC Contractor Registration (business) + HVAC Qualifier Certification (individual)
Threshold or scope: Required for any HVAC business operating in WI
Continuing education: Not published at state level; confirm with DSPS
Key details: Two-track: business registers ($15 filing + $160 reg fee); qualifier requires 4 yrs ME ed OR 4,000 hrs + open-book exam (70%). Both renewed every 4 yrs.
For the most current licensing rules, fees, and reciprocity details, always consult the state authority.
Apprenticeship Programs
4
Verified Programs
Apprenticeship sponsor data verified through union local primary sources, state Building Trades directories, and apprenticeship.gov.
Training
Program details vary by school. Verify cost, duration, and certification requirements directly with each institution.
Industry Density
Contracting Businesses
468
AC & refrigeration · NAICS 238222
HVAC Mechanics Employed
6,630
SOC 49-9021
17.18¢/kWh
Residential Electricity
#36 of 51
State Energy Rank
Establishment data from BLS QCEW NAICS 238222. Employment from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2025 (SOC 49-9021). Electricity rates from EIA Electric Power Annual 2024.
Climate Profile
6A
Cold-Humid
extreme_heating
Heating dominates Wisconsin's Cold-Humid climate. Deep winters create high-stakes demand for furnace, boiler, and heat pump reliability — HVAC technicians here build careers around heating systems with short but intense summer cooling demand.
Climate zone classification per IECC 2021 (International Energy Conservation Code).
FAQ
HVAC mechanics and installers in Wisconsin earn a mean annual wage of $67,410, about 4.1% above the national mean of $64,800 (BLS OEWS, May 2025). Entry-level technicians (10th percentile) average $45,930, and experienced techs at the 90th percentile reach $98,070. See our full salary breakdown for percentile data and metro variation.
The three largest HVAC job markets in Wisconsin are Milwaukee with about 1,620 HVAC mechanics, Madison with about 1,020 HVAC mechanics, and Green Bay with about 420 HVAC mechanics. Each city page lists current openings and average pay for that metro.
Three of the most established HVAC programs in Wisconsin are Gateway Technical College, Northwood Technical College, and Western Technical College. Programs typically run 6–24 months and prepare graduates for EPA Section 608 certification and entry-level positions. See our trade schools directory for full program details.
Have a different question? Reach our team at team@findhvacjobs.com.
