Wisconsin HVAC Apprenticeship: Pay, Length, Hours, and a Straight Plan
HVAC is one of the most “quietly high-responsibility” trades in Wisconsin: combustion safety, carbon monoxide risk, refrigerants, airflow, and diagnostics. If you want a real career with upward mobility, apprenticeship is the cleanest path.
Why HVAC fits Catholic teaching on labor
Catholic teaching treats work as dignified because the worker is dignified—and because work serves the common good. HVAC protects health and life, especially for children and the elderly.
- Dignity: you’re not “just a tech”—you’re trusted with safety.
- Duty: combustion and CO checks are moral obligations.
- Mastery: apprenticeship forms judgment under pressure.
Conversion path (simple)
If you want help choosing union vs non-union, which school/program, and what to do this week—use the buttons below.
Tip: if you tell us your region (Madison / Milwaukee / Fox Valley / etc.), we can point you to the closest realistic pipeline.
Wisconsin HVAC apprenticeship structure (real numbers)
| Program / Track | Time to complete | On-the-job training (OJT) | Related instruction | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| WI Registered Apprenticeship: Environmental Systems Technician | ~5 years | 7,824 hours | 576 hours (paid related instruction) | Often includes OSHA, First Aid/CPR, plus additional requirements depending on sponsor. |
| Example pipeline: NWTC HVAC Installer-Servicer Apprenticeship | 4 years (not less than 8,000 hours) | 7,500 hours (example listing) | 576 hours paid RI + additional unpaid items (e.g., First Aid/CPR/OSHA) | Shows the typical “earn while you learn” structure tied to WI apprenticeship law. |
Sources: Wisconsin DWD apprenticeship occupation page (Environmental Systems Technician) and NWTC apprenticeship outline. :contentReference[oaicite:2]{index=2}
Wisconsin wages (union HVAC-adjacent examples)
| Area (example) | Apprentice starting wage | Journeyworker wage (on the check) | Total package (example) | Source |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Madison (Sheet Metal) | $25.95/hr + benefits | $51.92/hr + benefits | Example total package: $42.49/hr (apprentice), $84.97/hr (journey) | SMART Careers WI page |
| Milwaukee (Sheet Metal) | $27.27/hr + benefits | $58.03/hr + benefits | Example total package: $33.42/hr (apprentice), $85.80/hr (journey) | SMART Careers WI page |
| Milwaukee (wage sheet detail example) | Shows multi-year apprentice % steps | Shows journeyman base + package lines | Varies by classification and year | Local 18 wage sheet PDF |
Wage examples come directly from SMART’s Wisconsin opportunities page and a Local 18 wage sheet PDF. :contentReference[oaicite:3]{index=3}
“What do I do this week?” (conversion + action)
- Pick your track: union sheet metal / pipe trades / non-union contractor apprenticeship / state-registered pathway.
- Get your documents: HS transcript/GED, driver’s license, reliable transportation plan.
- Build jobsite readiness: sleep schedule, punctuality, basic hand tools/boots budget (don’t overbuy).
- Start safety mindset now: you’re training for responsibility, not just skills.