Introduction
In the Badger State, the frigid winters and humid summers provide ample job opportunities for those interested in heating, air conditioning, and ventilation (HVAC). U.S. Climate Data reports that winter months in Wisconsin bring average low temperatures below 20 degrees Fahrenheit, while July temperatures can exceed 80 degrees. Living in these varied conditions requires indoor climate-control systems, which are installed and maintained by skilled HVAC workers.
To illustrate the strength and importance of the HVAC industry, several national organizations and unions operate throughout Wisconsin. For example, the Plumbing-Heating-Cooling Contractors Wisconsin Association (PHCC) and the Master Plumbers/Heating Cooling Association of Wisconsin (MP/HC) have been in existence for over 120 years and offer a wide array of benefits to members, such as discounts on educational programs, a quarterly newsletter, legislative and regulatory representation, networking opportunities, and more.
HVAC workers in Wisconsin may also choose to seek membership with the Plumbers and Steamfitters Local 434, a local union representing over 1,200 pipe trades workers in Central and Western Wisconsin. These skilled professionals lay the groundwork for many HVAC systems. Member benefits include access to a healthcare fund, a retirement plan, a pension fund, networking opportunities, and training through an apprenticeship program.
Demand for HVAC Technicians in Wisconsin
The demand for HVAC professionals in Wisconsin is robust and growing. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023, there were 397,450 HVAC professionals working across the nation, earning an annual average wage of $59,620. The future for HVAC mechanics and installers looks promising; the BLS anticipates that the industry will grow by 6 percent from 2022 to 2032, adding 23,000 jobs nationwide. In comparison, all U.S. industries combined are expected to expand by an average of only 3 percent. Additionally, Projections Central (2024) predicts that HVAC jobs in Wisconsin will grow by 7.7 percent between 2020 and 2030, adding approximately 580 new positions.
Several factors drive this growth:
- System Replacement: Existing HVAC systems typically need replacement every 10 to 15 years, requiring skilled technicians.
- New Construction: Nearly all new buildings in Wisconsin include some form of climate-control system.
- Regulatory Changes: Constantly evolving HVAC laws and regulations mean equipment must be updated to comply with local ordinances.
Schools in Wisconsin
Madison Area Technical College
1701 Wright Street
Madison, Wisconsin 53704-2599
Phone: (608) 246-6100
URL: madisoncollege.edu/
This school is a 4 year primarily associate's Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate|Postbaccalaureate certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 12982
- Total Faculty: 1097
Blackhawk Technical College
6004 South County Road G
Janesville, Wisconsin 53547-5009
Phone: (608) 758-6900
URL: www.blackhawk.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2391
- Total Faculty: 304
Gateway Technical College
3520 30th Ave
Kenosha, Wisconsin 53144-1690
Phone: (262) 564-2200
URL: www.gtc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a midsize suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 9881
- Total Faculty: 346
Lakeshore Technical College
1290 North Avenue
Cleveland, Wisconsin 53015-1414
Phone: (920) 693-1000 x1192
URL: gotoltc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3154
- Total Faculty: 137
Mid-State Technical College
500 32nd St N
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin 54494
Phone: (715) 422-5300
URL: www.mstc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a fringe rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2779
- Total Faculty: 170
Milwaukee Area Technical College
700 W State St
Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53233-1443
Phone: (414) 297-6282
URL: www.matc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 12211
- Total Faculty: 957
Moraine Park Technical College
235 N National Avenue
Fond du Lac, Wisconsin 54936-1940
Phone: (920) 929-2483
URL: www.morainepark.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3074
- Total Faculty: 204
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
2740 W Mason St
Green Bay, Wisconsin 54307-9042
Phone: (920) 498-5400
URL: www.nwtc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a midsize city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 10661
- Total Faculty: 510
Chippewa Valley Technical College
620 W Clairemont Ave
Eau Claire, Wisconsin 54701-6162
Phone: (715) 833-6200
URL: www.cvtc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 8364
- Total Faculty: 482
Waukesha County Technical College
800 Main Street
Pewaukee, Wisconsin 53072-4601
Phone: (262) 691-5566
URL: www.wctc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a large suburb with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 7268
- Total Faculty: 683
Western Technical College
400 Seventh St. North
La Crosse, Wisconsin 54601
Phone: (608) 785-9200
URL: www.westerntc.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate|Associate's degree. The campus is located in a small city with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 3872
- Total Faculty: 427
Northwood Technical College
1900 College Dr.
Rice Lake, Wisconsin 54868
Phone: (800) 243-9482
URL: www.northwoodtech.edu/
This school is a 2 year Public college that offers Less than one year certificate, One but less than two years certificate, Associate's degree, Two but less than 4 years certificate. The campus is located in a distant rural area with campus housing not offered.
- Total Student Population: 2677
- Total Faculty: 574
HVAC Worker Salaries in Wisconsin
HVAC professionals in Wisconsin earn competitive salaries, particularly for positions requiring just two years of post-secondary training. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) May 2023, the annual mean wage for HVAC workers nationwide is $59,620, while in Wisconsin, it's slightly higher at $60,970. Here are the detailed salary percentiles for HVAC professionals across the US and in Wisconsin:
| Percentile | United States | Wisconsin |
|---|---|---|
| Number of HVAC Professionals Employed | 397,450 | 6,190 |
| Annual Mean Wage | $59,620 | $60,970 |
| 10th Percentile | $37,270 | $39,430 |
| 25th Percentile | $46,550 | $48,410 |
| 50th Percentile (Median) | $57,300 | $59,520 |
| 75th Percentile | $71,120 | $70,140 |
| 90th Percentile | $84,250 | $83,340 |
Another data source, PayScale (April 2024), which relies on self-reported salaries, shows the following percentiles for HVAC workers nationwide:
- 10th Percentile: $36,000
- 50th Percentile (Median): $55,000
- 90th Percentile: $83,000
HVAC Certification and Licensing in Wisconsin
As mentioned in the introduction, all workers who handle refrigerants in Wisconsin must maintain the EPA Section 608 Certification. This certification is available in four types:
- Type 1: Small appliances
- Type 2: High-pressure appliances
- Type 3: Low-pressure appliances
- Universal: All types of equipment
Most HVAC educational programs include Section 608 certification as part of their training due to its critical importance.
HVAC workers can also pursue additional skill-based, employment-ready national certifications through various organizations:
- HVAC Excellence (e.g., Heating, Electrical, Air Conditioning Technology Plus)
- North American Technician Excellence (NATE) (e.g., Industry Competency Exams or ICE)
- Refrigerating Engineers and Technicians Association (RETA) (e.g., entry-level Certified Assistant Refrigeration Operator)
All aspiring HVAC workers should understand that a license is required to perform work of a certain scope. The Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services requires HVAC workers to register with the state, submit a completed application, and pay a fee of $160. Additionally, county or municipal governments may require HVAC workers to obtain additional local licensure as set forth in their regulations.
The state government allows HVAC workers to become certified as HVAC qualifiers, enabling them to perform work throughout Wisconsin. To obtain this title, workers must complete an application and pass an exam.
Anyone intent on working in HVAC in Wisconsin is advised to research all state and local regulations to ensure they remain compliant with the law.