High-demand careers you can build without a 4-year degree
Trades are one of the most reliable paths to strong income, job security, and real-world skills. This page helps you explore Wisconsin’s most in-demand trades, how to start, and how to choose the right path.
- Pick a trade you can see yourself doing.
- Learn the pathway: registered apprenticeship, tech college, or entry job + certs.
- Get your first credential (OSHA-10, EPA 608, welding intro, etc.).
- Apply to apprenticeship sponsors and talk to people in the field.
Top trades to explore first
Start narrow. Build momentum. Then expand into other career categories later. These trades are strong “first pillars” for Patriot Pilgrim in Wisconsin.
Electrician
High demand • Strong growthResidential, commercial, or industrial electrical work. Clear licensing ladder and strong earnings over time.
- Best for: problem-solvers, detail-oriented learners
- Path: apprenticeship → journeyperson → master / contractor
- Add later: solar, automation, controls
Industrial Maintenance
Fast growth • Factory backboneKeep machines running: motors, conveyors, hydraulics, PLC basics, troubleshooting. Wisconsin manufacturing needs this.
- Best for: mechanically curious, hands-on troubleshooters
- Path: tech college + maintenance role or apprenticeship
- Add later: automation, PLC, robotics
Welding & Fabrication
Huge openings • Wide industriesManufacturing, construction, pipe, structural steel. Skills are portable and stackable with certifications.
- Best for: builders, visual learners, craft-oriented workers
- Path: training program → certs → specialty (pipe/structural)
- Add later: CNC, fabrication, inspection
HVAC / Refrigeration
Steady growth • Essential systemsHeat, AC, ventilation, refrigeration. Strong demand + clear certification pathway (EPA 608).
- Best for: technical learners, customer-facing problem solvers
- Path: entry role + EPA 608 → apprenticeship or tech ladder
- Add later: controls, commercial refrigeration
Plumbing / Pipefitting
Strong openings • Skilled & respectedBuilding systems: water, gas, drainage, steam. Great long-term trade with clear apprentice ladder.
- Best for: precision, practical thinkers
- Path: apprenticeship → journeyperson → specialty
- Add later: pipe welding, medical gas, industrial
Construction (Entry + Skilled Track)
Most openings • Best entry pointThe fastest “get in the game” path. Start labor, then move into carpentry, equipment, concrete, or specialty trades.
- Best for: action-takers, outdoors, fast learners
- Path: entry job → training → specialty trade
- Add later: heavy equipment, concrete, carpentry
Wages: Wisconsin vs National
| Trade | WI Median (Hourly) | U.S. Median (Hourly) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Electrician | $36.10 | $35.31 | U.S. hourly derived from U.S. yearly median ($73,450 ÷ 2080 hrs) |
| Industrial Maintenance (Industrial Machinery Mechanics) | $31.02 | $30.65 | Strong upside with PLC/controls + reliability skills |
| Welding | $24.52 | $24.52 | Specialty certs (pipe/structural) raise ceiling |
| HVAC / Refrigeration | $29.82 | $28.75 | EPA 608 is a key credential |
| Plumbing / Pipe | $37.75 | $30.27 | Often higher in strong construction markets |
Regional demand across Wisconsin
Hiring needs vary by region. Use these as strong “first bets” based on Wisconsin’s mix of construction, manufacturing, and service demand.
Milwaukee Area
Madison / South Central
Green Bay / Fox Valley
• Industrial Maintenance
• Welding & Fabrication
• Electrician
Eau Claire / North
Tip: If you want, I can also add a second line under each region with “best entry credential” (OSHA-10, forklift, basic hand tools, EPA 608, etc.).
Apprenticeship completion + earnings bump
Completion changes your income trajectory. Structured programs tend to improve outcomes — and in construction, joint labor-management programs have shown stronger completion and higher wages.
Veterans: use your benefits while you train
Many veterans can use GI Bill® benefits during Registered Apprenticeship or On-the-Job Training (OJT), which can help cover housing while you earn wages and progress through pay steps.
- Earn + learn: get paid by your employer while building a real credential
- GI Bill® support: eligible veterans may receive a monthly housing allowance during apprenticeship/OJT
- Get help fast: Wisconsin has Veteran Employment Services through Job Centers
Ready to pick a trade?
If you’re not sure where to start, don’t overthink it. Pick one trade, start learning, meet people in the field, and build momentum. You can pivot later — progress first.