Firefighter Apprenticeship in Wisconsin

Wages, programs & career outlook
WI Median Salary
$47,710/yr
-20% vs. national
National Median
$59,530/yr
WI Employment
8,010
Firefighters employed
WI Sponsors
1308
Registered programs

Wisconsin Wage Spread

Annual wages for Firefighters in Wisconsin across all experience levels.

10th %ile
$31,200
25th %ile
$36,780
Median
$47,710
75th %ile
$61,870
90th %ile
$77,960

Firefighter Apprenticeship in Wisconsin

Firefighters in Wisconsin earn $47,710/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 $47,710/yr, Wisconsin is one of the lower-paying states for Firefighters — 20% below the $59,530 national median. Apprentices here should weigh relocation after completing their term.

Looking ahead to 2034, Firefighter employment should expand by 3.4%. That translates to roughly 27,100 openings annually when you factor in retirements — enough to absorb most apprenticeship completers.

The 8,010 Firefighters in Wisconsin (2.4% of the national total) place the state in the middle tier for trade employment. Apprenticeship availability tracks accordingly — present but not abundant.

The Firefighter apprenticeship uses a hybrid structure — part time-based, part competency-driven — spanning roughly 2 years. You can accelerate through sections where you demonstrate proficiency, particularly in emergency protocols, physical fitness standards, and certification exams.

Prospective Firefighter apprentices in Wisconsin have 1,308 registered sponsors to explore — from union locals to employer-sponsored programs. That depth of options means most regions of the state have accessible entry points.

Apprentices entering the Firefighter trade in Wisconsin start near the $31,200 floor but have a clear path to $77,960 — a $46,760 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

How much do Firefighters make in Wisconsin?
Firefighters in Wisconsin earn a median salary of $47,710/yr according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024). This is below the national median of $59,530 for the trade.
How many years does it take to become a Firefighter through apprenticeship?
The standard Firefighter apprenticeship is 2 years of combined on-the-job training and classroom education. Some programs offer accelerated paths for candidates with prior experience.
What's the difference between a Firefighter apprenticeship and trade school?
An apprenticeship lets you earn while you learn over 2 years with no tuition cost. Trade school is faster (6-24 months) but costs money upfront. Both can lead to the same journeyman credential.
Is there demand for Firefighters?
The BLS projects 3.4% employment growth for Firefighters through 2034 — steady demand. About 27100 positions open annually through both growth and retirements.
Where can I apply for a Firefighter apprenticeship in Wisconsin?
There are 1308 registered apprenticeship sponsors in Wisconsin. Start with your local IBEW, UA, or trade union office. You can also check apprenticeship.gov for listings and contact sponsors directly.
Do Firefighter apprentices get paid during training?
Yes. Apprentices earn wages from day one, typically starting at 40-60% of the journeyman rate (roughly $23,855/yr in Wisconsin). Wages increase at regular intervals — usually every 6 months — as you progress through the program.

Firefighter in Other States

Other Apprenticeships in Wisconsin

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