HVAC Training Schools in Wisconsin

The BLS (2017) reported that HVAC workers earn relatively generous wages throughout their careers, especially when compared to occupations at a similar level of education. The 307,060 HVAC workers that were employed in the US as of 2017 earned an average annual salary of $49,530. In Wisconsin, 4,830 HVAC workers earned an average salary that was a bit higher than average at $50,520. The BLS reported the following detailed wage percentiles for HVAC mechanics and installers across the country and in Wisconsin specifically:

The national figures were slightly different according to another source of data, Payscale (Dec. 2018), which relies on self-reported salaries. Among the HVAC workers reporting their annual salaries, Payscale found these percentiles:

United States: 881 HVAC workers responding

• 10th percentile: $29,000
• 50th percentile (median): $44,606
• 90th percentile: $72,000

An additional 4,892 HVAC workers gave Payscale their hourly salary figures, resulting in these percentile wages:

• 10th percentile: $12.94/hr.
• 50th percentile (median): $19.33/hr.
• 90th percentile: $29.55/hr.

As noted above, the average salary for HVAC workers in Wisconsin is a bit higher than that of the rest of the nation. As with any salary projections, taking into account the cost of living is also important. As such, the Missouri Economic Research and Information Center (MERIC 2018) found that WI was just about average in terms of cost of living, ranking it 23rd in terms of affordability. Wisconsin residents can specifically expect to see savings in housing costs as compared to the rest of the country. For HVAC technicians this means higher than average salaries will go even further than they would in some costlier states.

The BLS designated 16 regions within Wisconsin for which employment data is available. The 70 HVAC workers in the Sheboygan, WI earned the highest average salary in the state at an impressive $66,040 while the 590 HVAC workers in Green Bay, WI had the lowest average salary at $41,200. Following are the detailed salary data for the state of Wisconsin:

Appleton, WI (300 HVAC workers): $53,930 annual average salary

Eau Claire, WI (150 HVAC workers): $51,320 annual average salary

Fond du Lac, WI (number of HVAC workers unknown): $52,770 annual average salary

Green Bay, WI (590 HVAC workers): $41,200 annual average salary

Janesville-Beloit, WI (80 HVAC workers): $49,850 annual average salary

La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN (180 HVAC workers): $46,370 annual average salary

Madison, WI (650 HVAC workers): $50,980 annual average salary

Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI (910 HVAC workers): $59,010 annual average salary

Northeastern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area (410 HVAC workers): $52,920 annual average salary

Northwestern Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area (70 HVAC workers): $52,880 annual average salary

Oshkosh-Neenah, WI( (240 HVAC workers): $48,410 annual average salary

Racine, WI (170 HVAC workers): $51,280 annual average salary

Sheboygan, WI (70 HVAC workers): $66,040 annual average salary

South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area (310 HVAC workers): $43,090 annual average salary

Wausau, WI (260 HVAC workers): $44,060 annual average salary

Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area (170 HVAC workers): $42,260 annual average salary

As mentioned in the introduction, all workers who handle refrigerants in Wisconsin must maintain the EPA Section 608 Certification. There are four types of this certification available: type 1 (small appliances), type 2 (high-pressure appliances), type 3 (low-pressure appliances), and type 4 (universal). Most HVAC educational programs will include section 608 certification as part of the training program since it is so critical.

There are other skill-based, employment-ready national certifications for HVAC workers to pursue, which are available through HVAC Excellence (e.g., Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus); North American Technician Excellence (e.g., Industry Competency Exams or ICE); the Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (e.g., entry-level Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator); and other organizations. For a detailed breakdown of the national credentials, please check out the HVAC certifications page.

As a final note, all aspiring HVAC workers should understand that a license is required in order to perform work of a certain scope. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requires HVAC workers to register with the state, submitting a completed application along with $160. At the county or municipal level, governments can require HVAC workers to obtain additional local licensure as set forth in their regulations. It’s worth noting that the state government allows HVAC workers to become certified as HVAC qualifiers, allowing them to perform work anywhere throughout the state. In order to obtain this title, the worker must complete an application and successfully pass an exam, as well.

Above all, anyone intent on working in HVAC in WI is advised to research all state and local regulations to ensure they remain within the law.