Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Wisconsin

Wages, programs & career outlook
WI Median Salary
$50,990/yr
+3% vs. national
National Median
$49,670/yr
WI Employment
11,710
Automotive Mechanics employed
WI Sponsors
1308
Registered programs

Wisconsin Wage Spread

Annual wages for Automotive Mechanics in Wisconsin across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$36,540
25th %ile
$43,190
Median
$50,990
75th %ile
$63,800
90th %ile
$78,750

Automotive Mechanic Apprenticeship in Wisconsin

Automotive Mechanics in Wisconsin earn $50,990/yr — roughly in line with the $48,060 national median across all occupations. The financial case depends on low training costs and strong job security.

At $50,990 per year, Wisconsin pays roughly the national average for Automotive Mechanics. Neither a wage premium nor a discount — average market conditions.

The 4.2% projected growth rate for Automotive Mechanics signals steady demand — not a boom, but reliable. 70,000 openings per year keep the pipeline of opportunities flowing.

At just 1.5% of the national Automotive Mechanic workforce (11,710 employed), Wisconsin has a compact market. Apprenticeship programs may be concentrated in one or two metro areas rather than spread across the state.

The pathway to journeyman Automotive Mechanic takes 4 years of structured training — 8,000 hours total. Apprentices divide time between the jobsite and technical education in vehicle diagnostics, engine systems, and manufacturer certifications, earning progressively higher wages throughout.

Wisconsin's 1,308 registered apprenticeship sponsors create one of the more competitive markets for program placement. Candidates should apply to multiple programs, as the most popular ones fill quickly.

Apprentices entering the Automotive Mechanic trade in Wisconsin start near the $36,540 floor but have a clear path to $78,750 — a $42,210 arc that reflects how the trade values experience and skill accumulation.

Registered Apprenticeship Sponsors in Wisconsin

1308 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Wisconsin. Contact directly for program availability and application details.

Organization City County
Adams County Job Center Adams
Algoma Utility Commission Algoma Kewaunee County
Maysteel Industries LLC Allenton
Rock Machinery Allenton
Talbot Family Funeral Home Alma Buffalo County
Chippewa Valley Cremation Services Altoona Eau Claire County
Cremation Society of Wisconsin Altoona Eau Claire County
Great Clips - Altoona Altoona
Tony P Martin DDS SC Altoona
Amery Hospital & Clinic Amery
Williamson-White Funeral Home Amery
Central WI Area Plumbing JAC Amherst Portage County
Kretz Lumber Company Inc. Antigo Langlade County
The Man Cave a Barbershop for Men LL Antigo Langlade County
AZCO INC. Appleton
Agropur - LC Appleton
Anagen Eleven LLC Appleton Outagamie County
Appleton Area Plumbing JAC Appleton Outagamie County
Appleton Area School District Appleton Outagamie County
Appleton Area Steamfitter JAC Appleton Outagamie County
Appvion LLC Appleton
Baum Machine Inc Appleton Outagamie County
C3 Corporation Appleton Outagamie County
Cost Cutters-3212 E.Calumet St Appleton Outagamie County
Cost Cutters-420 E.Northland Ave Appleton
+ 5 more sponsors in Wisconsin

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the average Automotive Mechanic salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual wage for Automotive Mechanics in Wisconsin is $50,990 as of May 2024. Wages range from $36,540 at the 10th percentile to $78,750 at the 90th percentile.
What is the length of a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship program?
The standard Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship is 4 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
Is an apprenticeship better than trade school for Automotive Mechanics?
Apprenticeships offer paid training with no tuition, while trade school requires upfront costs but may be shorter. Many Automotive Mechanics combine both — starting with trade school basics before entering an apprenticeship.
Is there demand for Automotive Mechanics?
The BLS projects 4.2% employment growth for Automotive Mechanics through 2034 — steady demand. About 70000 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
How do I find a Automotive Mechanic apprenticeship in Wisconsin?
Contact one of the 1308 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Wisconsin, or visit apprenticeship.gov to search for programs. Local union halls, community colleges, and state apprenticeship agencies are good starting points.
How much do Automotive Mechanic apprentices earn?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $25,495/yr in Wisconsin). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Automotive Mechanic in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Wisconsin

Data: Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS May 2024, DOL RAPIDS Registered Apprenticeship database, ApprenticeshipUSA Sponsor Directory.