Licensing Guides
Wisconsin Electrical License: How to Become an Electrician in Wisconsin
Electrical, WI
May 27th, 2026
Joanne Bratton
Table of Contents
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Wisconsin
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Wisconsin?
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Wisconsin?
How Long Does It Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Wisconsin?
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Wisconsin?
Does My Wisconsin Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Wisconsin?
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrical Work in Wisconsin?
Working with electricity is a dangerous and demanding job, but with the right education and training you can learn how to do it right and become an electrical professional in Wisconsin.
Everyone needs an electrician at some point. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that there are 818,700 electricians nationwide, and 14,310 work in Wisconsin.
The national number is predicted to grow 10% from 2024 to 2034, adding more than 80,000 to the ranks of this important workforce. In Wisconsin, that growth rate is projected at 14%, according to CareerOneStop, the U.S. Department of Labor’s job search website.
Contractors struggle to find skilled tradesmen like plumbers, electricians, and HVAC or mechanical professionals while the demand for them continues to grow. According to the Associated General Contractors of America, construction employment in Wisconsin in July 2025 totaled 143,600, an increase of 3,100 (2%) from July 2024 and an increase of 16,400 (13%) from February 2020. So, if you get the training you need, you should have a variety of jobs to choose from.
Licensing Requirements for Electrical Contractors in Wisconsin
Is a license required for electricians in Wisconsin? Yes.
The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS) issues licenses for all levels of electrical work, including apprentice, journeyman, and master electricians. It also issues licenses for residential and industrial electrical work, and for electrical contractors.
Steps to Get an Electrical License in Wisconsin
Wisconsin requires a license for all electrical work. Each license level has different requirements. To get an electrical license in Wisconsin, follow these steps:
Be at least 17 to 18 years old (age depends on the apprenticeship program).
Register for an approved apprenticeship program.
Apply for your electrical apprentice license and pay fees.
Complete your electrical apprenticeship.
Apply for your journeyman electrician license and pay fees.
Pass a journeyman electrician exam.
For each progressive license, complete additional work experience or education, pass an exam, and apply for your license.
How to Become an Electrician in Wisconsin
To become a licensed electrician in Wisconsin, you must:
Be at least 18 years of age.
Meet work experience and/or educational requirements.
Pass an electrical exam.
Pay applicable fees.
Below are the specifics for each license or registration.
REGISTERED ELECTRICIAN
Work experience: A Registered Electrician is an entry-level position, and applicants are not required to hold an electrical apprentice registration in conjunction with this license.
Apply for license: Apply online. The DSPS provides application information for registered electricians. Pay the $15 application fee.
Pay fees: Pay the $20 enrollment fee for the one-year enrollment.
Limitations: Registered electricians must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Residential Master Electrician, Residential Journeyman Electrician, or Industrial Journeyman Electrician.
ELECTRICAL APPRENTICE REGISTRATION
Work experience: Electrical Apprentices, Industrial Electrical Apprentices, and Residential Electrical Apprentices must be registered in a program recognized under state statutes or by the U.S. Department of Labor. They do not need to hold a registered electrician license in conjunction with the apprenticeship registration.
Apply for license: Apply online. The DSPS provides application information for Electrical Apprentices, Industrial Electrical Apprentices, and Residential Electrical Apprentices. Apprentices upload a copy of their apprenticeship contract or proof of an electrical indentureship from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. Pay the $15 application fee.
Pay fees: Pay the $15 license fee for the one-year license.
Limitations: Apprentices must work under the general supervision of a Master Electrician, a Registered Master Electrician, or a Residential Master Electrician.
JOURNEYMAN ELECTRICIAN LICENSE
Work experience: Journeyman Electricians, Industrial Journeyman Electricians, and Residential Journeyman Electricians must complete an approved electrical apprenticeship or complete minimum work experience requirements. The work experience requirements for each license are as follows:
Journeyman Electrician applicants must show 8,000 hours of experience in installing, repairing, and maintaining electrical wiring during a 48-month period; or 1,000 hours each year for a minimum of five years.
Industrial Journeyman Electricians must show at least 1,000 hours per year of experience for at least five years in industrial electrical wiring work.
Residential Journeyman Electricians must show at least 1,000 hours per year of experience for at least three years in residential electrical wiring work.
For all journeyman licenses, each completed full-time semester from a school of electrical engineering or other accredited college, university, technical or vocational school in an electrical-related program is equivalent to 500 hours of experience, with no more than 2,000 hours and two years of experience credited.
Apply for license: Apply online. Those who have completed an apprenticeship must show a copy of their certificate of completion from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards. The DSPS provides application information for Journeyman Electricians, Industrial Journeyman Electricians, and Residential Journeyman Electricians. Pay the $35 application fee.
Pass exam: Once your application is approved, take and pass the Journeyman Electrician exam. The exam costs $30 through DSPS or $95 through Pearson Vue. DSPS provides exam information on the Journeyman Electrician, Industrial Journeyman Electrician, and Residential Journeyman Electrician exam pages.
Pay fees: Pay the $100 license fee for the four-year license.
Limitations: Industrial and Residential Journeyman Electricians working outside the scope of their license must work under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, registered Master Electrician, or a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Increased authority: Journeymen may supervise apprentice electricians.
MASTER ELECTRICIAN LICENSE OR REGISTRATION
Work experience: Registered Master Electricians, Master Electricians, and Residential Master Electricians
Registered Master Electricians must complete at least 15 years of experience installing, repairing, or maintaining electrical wiring.
Master Electricians must show one of the following:
Complete 12 months of experience as a licensed journeyman.
Show at least 10,000 hours of experience over a 60-month period, or at least 1,000 hours each year for a minimum of seven years. Each full-time semester from a school of electrical engineering or other accredited college, university, technical or vocational school in an electrical-related program is equivalent to 500 hours of experience, with no more than 3,000 hours and three years of experience credited.
Earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited engineering university or college.
Residential Master Electricians must complete at least 1,000 hours of experience in electrical wiring work for at least five years. Each completed full-time semester from a school of electrical engineering or other accredited college, university, technical or vocational school in an electrical-related program is equivalent to 500 hours of experience, with no more than 3,000 hours and three years of experience credited.
Apply for license: Apply online. The DSPS provides application information for Master Electricians, registered Master Electricians, and Residential Master Electricians. Pay the $35 application fee.
Pass exam: The Master Electrician and Residential Master Electrician license requires passing an exam after application approval. The exam costs $30 through DSPS or $95 through Pearson Vue. The DSPS provides exam information on the Master Electrician and Residential Master Electrician exam pages.
Pay fees: Pay the $150 fee for the permanent registered Master Electrician license, or pay the $200 license fee for the Master Electrician or Residential Master Electrician four-year license.
Increased authority: Master Electricians may supervise apprentice and journeymen electricians.
ELECTRICAL CONTRACTOR LICENSE
Work experience: Individuals applying for an Electrical Contractor license must be the owner, partner, chairman of the board, or chief executive officer.
Obtain insurance: Meet state workers’ compensation insurance and unemployment compensation requirements.
Apply for license: Apply online. The DSPS provides electrical contractor application information. Pay the $35 application fee.
Pay fees: Pay the $200 license fee for the four-year license.
Increased authority: Electrical contractors may own their own businesses.
The DSPS provides a trades LicensE information document and a LicensE applicant user guide for additional information about the online licensing portal.
Types of Electrical Licenses in Wisconsin
What are the different types of electrician licenses in Wisconsin? The state issues 10 types of electrician licenses or registrations and one electrical contractor license.
Registered Electrician
A Registered Electrician must perform electrical wiring under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Journeyman Electrician, Residential Master Electrician, Residential Journeyman Electrician, or Industrial Journeyman Electrician.
Electrical Apprentice Registration
An electrical apprentice is in an approved apprenticeship program and is learning the trade. An apprentice must perform electrical wiring activities under the general supervision of a Master Electrician, a Registered Master Electrician, or a Residential Master Electrician.
Industrial Electrical Apprentice Registration
An Industrial Journeyman Electrician is learning the trade and is limited to performing wiring within the facilities or properties of the business establishment where the person is employed. If the electrician performs wiring not associated with the facilities where they are employed, they must be under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Registered Master Electrician, or a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Residential Electrical Apprentice Registration
A residential electrical apprentice is learning the trade and may perform electrical wiring associated with dwellings, dwelling units, and detached accessory buildings and structures serving the dwellings, such as garages, carports, gazebos, and swimming pools. They may perform electrical wiring not associated with residences, if they are under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Registered Master Electrician, or a licensed Journeyman Electrician.
Journeyman Electrician License
A Journeyman Electrician performs electrical wiring under the general supervision of a licensed Master Electrician or Registered Master Electrician. Journeyman Electricians must pass an exam.
Industrial Journeyman Electrician License
An industrial journeyman electrician is limited to performing wiring within the facilities or properties of the business establishment where the person is employed. If the electrician performs wiring not associated with the facilities where they are employed, they must be under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Registered Master Electrician, or a licensed Journeyman Electrician. Industrial Journeyman electricians must pass an exam.
Residential Journeyman Electrician License
A journeyman electrician working under the general supervision of a licensed residential master electrician performs electrical wiring associated with dwellings, dwelling units, and detached accessory buildings and structures serving the dwellings, such as garages, carports, gazebos, and swimming pools. Residential journeyman electricians may perform electrical wiring not associated with residences, if they are under the direct supervision of a licensed Master Electrician, Registered Master Electrician, or a licensed Journeyman Electrician. Industrial Journeyman Electricians must pass an exam.
Registered Master Electrician
A Master Electrician is responsible for the installation, repair, or maintenance of electrical wiring and must use licensed or registered individuals to construct, install, repair, or maintain electrical wiring. A Registered Master Electrician has at least 15 years of experience in installing, repairing, or maintaining electrical wiring.
Master Electrician License
A Master Electrician is responsible for the installation, repair, or maintenance of electrical wiring and must use licensed or registered individuals to construct, install, repair, or maintain electrical wiring. A Master Electrician must pass an exam.
Residential Master Electrician License
A Residential Master Electrician performs electrical wiring associated with dwellings, dwelling units, and detached accessory buildings and structures serving the dwellings, such as garages, carports, gazebos, and swimming pools. Residential Master Electricians must pass an exam.
Electrical Contractor License
An electrical contracting business installs, repairs, or maintains electrical wiring. Electrical Contractors must use licensed or registered individuals to construct, install, repair, or maintain electrical wiring.
Benefits of Becoming a Certified Electrician in Wisconsin
There are many benefits to obtaining electrical licensure in Wisconsin.
First and most importantly, Wisconsin law requires anyone performing electrical work to obtain a state license.
A trade license is proof of your experience and skill.
You begin earning money from the start as an electrical apprentice.
It protects your company and customers.
It gives you a competitive advantage in the job market.
As you build on your expertise, your earning potential increases and you have more authority to pull building permits and bid on projects.
What Is the Mean Wage for an Electrical Technician in Wisconsin?
The annual mean wage for electricians in Wisconsin is $73,810 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics. That salary, as you might expect, increases as you acquire more experience. An electrician salary database, shared with ServiceTitan by Payscale.com, projects the median electrician salary will increase nationally in 2025 by 3.59% for entry-level workers, 3.24% for intermediate-level, and 3.15% for senior-level electricians. In Wisconsin those salary projections are:
Entry (<2 years): $59,000
Intermediate (2-4 years): $69,200
Senior (4-7 years): $74,600
Salaries can vary widely, depending on the city where you work and other factors like education, certifications, additional skills, and the number of years you have spent in your profession. If you choose to start an electrical business, this blog can give you an idea of how to improve your profit margins.
What Business Owners Need to Know
Getting the most out of an electrical technician, no matter where they are in their licensing journey, takes work. ServiceTitan’s cloud-based, all-in-one electrician software gives technicians and business owners the technology they need to do the work efficiently, and the data they need to do it smartly.
SMS communications that keep customers informed about the technician’s visit.
Location-specific service history, including recorded calls, accessible from the mobile app.
Required forms that ensure every job is done right, driving consistency.
The ability to build multi-option proposals with photos, on-site, in minutes.
Sales presentations that make conversations with customers easier and drive average tickets.
Mobile payment acceptance, eliminating lost checks and increasing cash flow.
To learn more, schedule a demo with a product expert today.
How Much Does It Cost to Get an Electrician License in Wisconsin?
DSPS provides a fee schedule for all licenses in the state’s administrative code.
Registered Electricians: $15 application fee; $20 fee for a one-year enrollment
Journeyman Electricians: $35 application fee; $100 fee for a four-year license
Registered Master Electricians: $35 application fee; $150 fee for the permanent license
Master Electrician and Residential Master Electrician: $35 application fee; $200 fee for a four-year license.
Electrical Contractor: $35 application fee; $200 fee for a four-year license
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How Long Does it Take to Get an Electrician Contractors License in Wisconsin?
It takes four to five years to complete an electrical apprenticeship and become eligible to take the Journeyman Electrician exam. The Registered Electrician license does not require any work experience, but those holding the entry-level license must work under the direct supervision of licensed electricians.
The great news is that as an apprentice you begin earning a wage from the very beginning. Compensation increases each year as you acquire more training and knowledge, until you obtain a Journeyman Electrician license. It increases again when you acquire your Master Electrician license. As a licensed contractor, you can start your own electrical business, be your own boss, and grow your business as much as you want. And we have a tool to help you.
Wisconsin Electrician Training Programs and Schools
There are many programs to get the training you need to become an electrician in Wisconsin. The state requires electrical apprentices to be registered in an apprenticeship program recognized under state statutes or by the U.S. Department of Labor.
The Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development connects apprentices with approved apprenticeship programs throughout the state. Other apprenticeship opportunities providing on-the-job training include:
Milwaukee Electrical Joint Apprenticeship Training Committee
Wisconsin NECA-IBEW Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Program
The state also credits education toward the work experience requirement for those seeking a journeyman or Master Electrician license. Many schools in the state’s technical college system offer an associate of applied science degree (AAS) in electrical engineering technology.
For the Master Electrician license, the state also accepts a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering from an accredited engineering university or college. Schools offering a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering include:
University of Wisconsin in Green Bay, Madison, Platteville
Tuition: Tuition cost depends on the program you choose. Some apprenticeships are fully paid by your employer with required good grades. An in-state resident can expect to pay about $4,194 per year in tuition at a community college.
Program Prerequisites: You must be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or a GED.
On-the-Job Experience: While on the job, you will need to use good customer service skills, possess mechanical capability, pay attention to detail, and be physically fit. The job typically includes hours of walking, standing, and working in tight spaces, and includes some heavy lifting.
For more detailed information about electrical school options in Wisconsin, check out our post — Electrician Schools in Wisconsin: The Ultimate Guide.
Wisconsin Electrician Licensing Exam Details
All Journeyman and Master Electricians (except for Registered Master Electricians) must pass an exam. They must first apply for the license and receive approval to take the exam. The DSPS contacts applicants and instructs them on how to schedule the exam.
In addition to the specific exam pages listed below, DSPS provides exam information on the trades credentialing examination page. Applicants may choose to take the exam with DSPS or through Pearson Vue, which offers more exam locations and allows applicants to receive exam results more quickly. If an applicant selects a Pearson Vue exam location, they will not be able to change to a DSPS exam location. Pearson Vue provides a candidate handbook for Wisconsin trade exams.
All exams are open-book, and passing scores are 70% or higher. Journeyman and master exams cost $30 through DSPS or $95 through Pearson Vue.
Journeyman electrician exams
The DSPS provides exam information pages forJourneyman Electricians, Industrial Journeyman Electricians, and Residential Journeyman Electricians. Each journeyman exam consists of 100 questions and has a four-hour time limit.
Master electrician exams
The DSPS provides exam information pages for Master Electricians and Residential Master Electricians. Each master exam consists of 50 questions and has a four-hour time limit.
How Can I Prepare for the Electrician License Exam in Wisconsin?
Each license requires a specific amount of training before taking the exam. Those who complete an apprenticeship will receive the work experience, training, and knowledge to take the licensing exam.
The exam information pages for Journeyman Electrician, Industrial Journeyman Electrician, Residential Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, and Residential Master Electrician list all of the approved references for each exam. Approved references include Wisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305 and Chapter SPS 316, and the 2017 National Electrical Code (NEC) or Handbook.
Who Issues Electrician Licenses in Wisconsin?
The State of Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services issues electrical licenses for all levels of electrical work.
The DSPS has two office locations. The headquarters are at 4822 Madison Yards Way, Madison, WI 53705. The office may be contacted by phone at (608) 266-2112. The second office is at 141 NW Barstow St., Waukesha, WI 53188, and may be contacted by phone at (608) 266-2112.
Those with licensing or credentialing questions should choose “request support” in the LicensE online licensing portal.
Does My Wisconsin Electrician License Work in Any Other State?
Yes, your Wisconsin Journeyman or Master Electrician license will help you obtain an Electrical Journeyman license in Iowa and New Hampshire. If you meet the requirements, you may be eligible for a license without taking another trade exam. You’ll still need to apply for the license and meet licensing requirements.
What Are the Reciprocity Requirements for an Electrician License in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin offers reciprocity for Journeyman Electricians holding a current license in Iowa or New Hampshire. The state offers reciprocity for Master Electricians holding a current license in Iowa. Those who meet reciprocity requirements, which includes holding their current license for at least one year, will not need to take the Wisconsin trade exam.
Out-of-state applicants still must apply for the license and meet licensing requirements. The Journeyman Electrician and Master Electrician application information contain reciprocity application instructions.
National Electrical Certifications
Other certifications can help you demonstrate your proficiency to potential employers and clients. The main national electrical certifications are:
Independent Electrical Contractors certification
National Fire Protection Association certification
Professional certifications are not required but can add to your marketability as a service provider and therefore increase your opportunity to make more money.
Are There Electrician Scholarships in Wisconsin?
Yes, there are electrical scholarships in Wisconsin. Scholarships are awarded through the state, trade organizations, colleges, and universities.
The Wisconsin Department of Public instruction provides a list of scholarships and resources for students. The Wisconsin Technical College System provides information about privately funded promise programs to help students attend technical college.
Other technical or trade school scholarship opportunities include:
How Can Someone Verify My Electrician License in Wisconsin?
Potential clients or employees can verify your electrical license through the DSPS credential/license search page. Search by:
Credential/license number
Individual name
Organization name
License type
When Can an Electrician License Be Suspended in Wisconsin?
A suspended license means the licensee is temporarily prohibited from practicing their trade legally. Some of the reasons an electrician or electrical contractor license can be suspended or revoked in Wisconsin include:
Failing to meet the qualifications for the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Obtaining the license, certification, registration, or enrollment through fraud or deceit.
Demonstrating negligence, incompetence, or misconduct in fulfilling the responsibilities or obligations of the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Having a conflict of interest in fulfilling the responsibilities or obligations under the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Violating state, federal, or local laws or regulations relating to the conduct of the activities under the license, certification, registration, or enrollment.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, refer to Wisconsin Administrative Code.
What Are the Penalties for Unlicensed Electrician Work in Wisconsin?
The penalties for performing electrical work in Wisconsin are assessed depending on the license, certification, registration, enrollment, or activity. In addition, those who do not follow rules for electrical work may face forfeitures of $25 to $500 each day for violations.
Note: The information above should not be considered legal advice. For detailed and specific information, refer to Wisconsin Administrative Code.
Continuing Education
All Journeyman and Master Electrician licensees must complete continuing education requirements before renewal. Journeyman Electrician, Master Electrician, and Electrical Contractor licenses expire on June 30 every four years. The Registered Master Electrician license is a permanent license and does not expire.
Journeyman electricians and master electricians must complete 24 hours of continuing education before renewing. Industrial journeyman electricians, residential journeyman electricians, and residential master electricians must complete the renewal requirements of 18 hours of continuing education. The DSPS provides a document listing approved continuing education courses.
The DSPS provides a license renewal dates and fees chart. Renewal fees are as follows:
Apprentice Electrician: $15 for a one-year registration
Industrial Electrical Apprentice: $15 for a one-year registration
Residential Electrical Apprentice: $15 for a one-year registration
Registered Electrician: $20 for a one-year enrollment
Journeyman Electrician: $100 for a four-year license
Industrial Journeyman Electrician: $100 for a four-year license
Residential Journeyman Electrician: $100 for a four-year license
Master Electrician: $200 for a four-year license
Residential Master Electrician: $200 for a four-year license
Electrical Contractor: $200 for a four-year license
Resources
You can stay up to date on all electrical industry news in several ways:
Check top electrician blogs, including ServiceTitan’s blog.
Read about the latest industry trends, and discover ideas on how to grow your electrical business.
Listen to top electrician podcasts like ServiceTitan’s “Toolbox for the Trades” podcast.
ServiceTitan is a comprehensive electrician business software solution built specifically to help service companies streamline their operations, boost revenue, and achieve growth. Our award-winning, cloud-based platform is trusted by more than 100,000 contractors across the country.
Ready to learn more about what ServiceTitan can do for your business? Contact our team to schedule a demo today.
