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People who work as maintenance technicians in Wisconsin start their careers without having to earn a four-year college degree.
People who are interested in this career usually enjoy working with their hands.
They are detail-oriented and take pride in a job well done.
Maintenance technicians in Wisconsin work in various settings.
They have many responsibilities that require them to use their knowledge and skills to keep properties, equipment, and systems functioning properly.
Knowing the steps to becoming a maintenance technician in Wisconsin is important before enrolling in an education or training program.
It is also important to learn the steps to becoming a maintenance technician before applying for any Wisconsin maintenance technician jobs.
Article Table of Contents
Steps to Become a Maintenance Technician in Wisconsin
Follow the steps to become a maintenance technician in Wisconsin to start a new career or to have career advancement opportunities.
Some people who complete these steps may be able to earn a higher salary.
Step 1: Earn a High School Diploma or a GED
Maintenance technicians who work in Wisconsin need to have a minimum of a high school diploma.
Earning a high school diploma or a GED is the first step towards having a career as a maintenance technician.
Step 2: Learn about Similar Careers to Avoid Training and Employment Issues
There are several careers that have duties and responsibilities that are similar to those of maintenance technicians.
It is important for people to know the difference between these jobs and a maintenance technician.
Maintenance technicians work in buildings, apartment complexes, or at medical facilities.
They may work in other smaller facilities.
Industrial maintenance technicians work in large facilities and work with large equipment and systems.
Aviation maintenance technicians work in the aviation industry.
Maintenance mechanics usually work in production facilities or other large facilities.
They perform routine maintenance, inspections, and repairs of mechanical, electrical, and other systems.
Understanding the various job titles that are similar to maintenance technicians helps people who want to work as maintenance technicians in Wisconsin to choose the right training program and apply for jobs that are best suited to their needs and career goals.
Step 3: Enroll in a Training Program
Maintenance technicians in Wisconsin do not need to have a college degree.
They do need to complete a training program.
Choose a program that aligns with your career goals, interests, and lifestyle.
Many people complete their training in an online format at their own pace.
Training programs for people who want to become maintenance technicians prepare people to work in entry-level positions.
Students gain the knowledge and skills that prepare them to perform the many duties and responsibilities that are entrusted to maintenance technicians.
Step 4: Earn a Certification
People who want to have a career as a maintenance technician in Wisconsin often earn a certification.
Earning one or more certifications shows that you have comprehensive knowledge and skills in a specialized area.
Consider earning the HVAC Excellence certification.
Earning an HVAC certification shows that you have the skills to maintain, inspect, and repair heating, ventilation, and air conditioning systems.
The Certified Apartment Maintenance Technician shows employers that you have the expertise that is needed of maintenance technicians to perform upkeep, maintenance, and repairs to electrical systems, HVAC systems, and other systems that are related to apartment maintenance.
Check out other certifications that can showcase your maintenance technician knowledge and skills.
Step 5: Apply for Maintenance Technician Jobs in Wisconsin
Many people are likely to wait until they complete their training program and earn a certification before they start applying for maintenance technician jobs.
Consider applying for jobs while you are still in the training program or working towards earning a certification.
It can give you a head start on getting the best jobs.
It can also help you earn a higher salary compared to people who do not complete a training program or certification.
Look for jobs that best align with your qualifications and your career goals and interests.
Maintenance Technician Programs in Wisconsin
Maintenance technician programs in Wisconsin prepare students to start or advance their careers as maintenance technicians.
Students need to make sure that they can comply with the program requirements and the program format.
One example is that some people may need to complete their training program in an online format.
Waukesha County Technical College
Start your maintenance technician career by enrolling in the Maintenance Technician I program at Waukesha County Technical College.
The 12-credit technical certificate program is offered on campus during the day.
Students learn the fundamental skills that maintenance technicians need to know to keep business, apartment, and facilities operations running smoothly.
They learn about electricity, magnetism, circuits, motors, generators, safety, and AC circuits.
Some courses include Basic Maintenance Tools, Industrial Blueprint Reading, and Industrial Safety.
The tuition is $152.85 per credit hour for Wisconsin residents.
University of Wisconsin Stevens Point
The 18-month Maintenance Technician program at the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point gives students a pathway towards a maintenance technician career.
Some things that are covered in the program include the required skills for manufacturing maintenance, the safety and functionality of various systems, and responding to emergency maintenance requests.
Students who enroll in this program can engage in optional virtual labs and simulations.
The school provides a Maintenance Technician’s Toolkit to every student when they enroll in the program.
Instructional materials are included in the program cost.
The program’s cost is $3,095.
University of Wisconsin Green Bay
Students who enroll in the online Maintenance Technician program at the University of Wisconsin Green Bay can complete the program in 18 months.
The self-paced program features open enrollment.
It allows students to complete their coursework on their own time.
Learn about machines and systems, electrical systems, mechanical systems, and motor controls.
The program gives students the knowledge that they need for a successful maintenance technician career in other areas, including automation, rigging systems, and safety and inspections.
Students receive all their learning materials when they pay the $1,695 program cost.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Waukesha County Technical College | 800 Main St, Pewaukee, WI 53072, United States |
| University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point | 2100 Main St, Stevens Point, WI 54481, United States |
| University of Wisconsin-Green Bay | 2420 Nicolet Dr, Green Bay, WI 54311, USA |
Salary
The average annual salary for maintenance technicians in Wisconsin is $59,518.
Salary.com gives a salary range for maintenance technicians in the state of $54,026 to $66,323.
People who work in entry-level maintenance technician jobs will likely be at the lower end of the salary range.
Maintenance technicians who have experience, training, and a certification will earn more than those with less experience and training.
Another thing that affects the salary of maintenance technicians in Wisconsin is the city where they work.
Maintenance technicians who work in Wilson earn an average salary of $62,779.
Maintenance technicians who work in Medford earn an average salary of $56,439.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $61,044 |
| Madison | $59,793 |
| Green Bay | $60,802 |
| Kenosha | $64,987 |
| Racine | $63,316 |
| Eau Claire | $63,356 |
| Oshkosh | $58,000 |
| Janesville | $61,723 |
| Appleton | $66,419 |
| La Crosse | $57,299 |
Salary by Metro Area in Wisconsin
| Metro Area | Employed | Avg. Annual | Avg. Hourly | Top 10% | Bottom 10% |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 1,270 | $55,020 | $26.45 | $74,790 | $35,730 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 880 | $53,280 | $25.61 | $74,450 | $35,100 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 390 | $51,100 | $24.57 | $69,270 | $32,950 |
| Green Bay, WI | 1,670 | $53,320 | $25.64 | $72,290 | $34,770 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 760 | $54,630 | $26.27 | $75,390 | $35,400 |
| Kenosha, WI | 790 | $54,740 | $26.32 | $79,620 | $30,810 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 910 | $52,430 | $25.21 | $70,810 | $35,870 |
| Madison, WI | 3,730 | $54,320 | $26.12 | $75,250 | $35,380 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha, WI | 8,150 | $54,100 | $26.01 | $76,600 | $34,760 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 1,030 | $57,010 | $27.41 | $77,210 | $36,480 |
| Racine-Mount Pleasant, WI | 750 | $51,880 | $24.94 | $74,550 | $33,010 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 760 | $57,690 | $27.73 | $75,730 | $37,660 |
| Wausau, WI | 800 | $54,110 | $26.01 | $73,210 | $35,450 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to complete a maintenance technician training program in Wisconsin?
The time that it takes to complete a training program is set by each school.
Some schools offer maintenance programs that students complete in a few weeks, while others take nearly two years to complete.
How much does it cost to earn a Wisconsin maintenance technician certification?
Schools do not set the cost of earning a certification credential.
The entity that offers the credentials sets the cost and fees for earning each credential.
What kind of license do I need to work as a maintenance technician in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin does not require maintenance technicians to have a license.
Some employers may want their maintenance technicians to get certain licenses or certifications.
Read the full guide: How to Become a Maintenance Technician
Maintenance Technician by State