Application Fee
See agencyVerified by WI Board of Healthcare
Athletic Trainer Licensing in Wisconsin
Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for athletic trainer in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.
Last verified: Feb 21, 2026
Current
Exam Requirement
Third-party exam requiredRenewal Cycle
See board renewal rulesLicensing Blueprint for Athletic Trainer in Wisconsin
Estimated timeline: Varies by boardCore Requirements
- 1
Education: Degree required.
- 2
Experience: No experience required.
- 3
Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.
- 4
Certification: Certification required.
- 5
License Type: Stand-alone license.
- 6
An Athletic Trainer is an individual who engages in athletic training.
- 7
Athletic training means preventing, recognizing and evaluating athletic injuries, managing and administering the initial treatment of athletic injuries, giving emergency care or first aid for an athletic injury, and rehabilitating and physically reconditioning athletic injuries.
- 8
Except as provided under Wisconsin Statute 448.952, no person may designate himself or herself as an athletic trainer or use or assume the title "athletic trainer", "licensed athletic trainer", "certified athletic trainer", or "registered athletic trainer" or append to the person's name any other title, letters or designation that represents or may tend to represent the person as an athletic trainer, without a license from the credentialing board.
Exam and processing details
- Third-party exam required
Continuing education and program notes
- certified athletic trainer", or "registered athletic trainer" or append to the person's name any other title, letters or designation that represents or may tend to represent the pers
Application Snapshot
- Licensing Authority
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
- Current Filing Fee
See agency
- Renewal Cycle
See board renewal rules
- Salary Position
$60,520 median (0% above national)
- State Salary Rank
#22 of 50 states
Step-by-Step Process (7)
- 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Athletic Trainer licensure.
- 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
- 3. Document required supervised experience: No experience required.
- 4. Pass required examination steps: Third-party exam required.
- 5. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: Specific type of conviction prohibited; Background/Criminal Review: Specific type of conviction prohibited.).
- 6. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
- 7. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).
Salary Insights in Wisconsin
With a median salary of $60,520, Athletic Trainers in Wisconsin earn 0% above the national median of $60,250. Wisconsin ranks #22 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.
State Hiring Climate (QCEW)
RisingQoQ Employment Change
+2.3%Average Weekly Wage
$1,213Median annual salary
$60,520Hourly estimate
$29.100% above national median
Difference: +$270
Percentile Distribution
Annual compensationAthletic Trainer Salary Ranking
#22 of 50 statesfor Athletic Trainer median salary
| Rank | State | Median Salary |
|---|---|---|
| #1 | New Jersey | $77,350 |
| #2 | California | $74,150 |
| #3 | Hawaii | $70,930 |
| #4 | Connecticut | $67,090 |
| #5 | Texas | $66,430 |
Nearby States Comparison
Athletic Trainer licensing across the region| State | Median Salary | Education | Exam | Timeline |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | $60,520 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Minnesota | $64,340 | Varies by state board | State-approved exam | Varies by board |
| Iowa | $49,700 | Specific course required | State exam required | Varies by board |
| Illinois | $62,140 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | Varies by board |
| Michigan | $58,550 | Degree required | Third-party exam required | 1-3 years |
License by Endorsement
Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.
| State | Reciprocity Score | Tier | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wisconsin | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Minnesota | 78 | High | Board-specific review required. |
| Iowa | 58 | Medium | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated. |
| Illinois | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
| Michigan | 50 | Low | State-specific exam conditions may apply. Documented experience may be required. |
- License status indicator: Active.
- Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license.
- Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Official Licensing Agency
Official website verified
WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing
1400 E. Washington Ave., P.O. Box 8935, Madison, WI, 53708-8935
Phone: 6082662112
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FAQ
How long does it take to become a Athletic Trainer in Wisconsin?
Most applicants finish the licensing path in about Varies by board, but timing can change based on education track, exam scheduling, and board processing.
What exams are required for Athletic Trainers in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin lists Third-party exam required as part of the licensure process for Athletic Trainers.
What education do you need to become a Athletic Trainer in Wisconsin?
The board typically expects Degree required for Athletic Trainer licensure in Wisconsin.
What is the typical Athletic Trainer salary in Wisconsin?
The median annual salary for Athletic Trainers in Wisconsin is $60,520. Salaries range from $48,860 (10th percentile) to $76,090 (90th percentile).
How does the Athletic Trainer salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?
Athletic Trainers in Wisconsin earn 0% above the national median of $60,250, with a state median of $60,520.
How many Athletic Trainers work in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin employs approximately 600 Athletic Trainers according to BLS data.
Can I transfer my Athletic Trainer license to Wisconsin from another state?
Transfer requirements vary by board. License status indicator: Active. Continuing education indicator: Continuing education required to maintain license. Reciprocity and transfer rules vary by state board. Verify directly with the agency.
Who is the licensing agency for Athletic Trainers in Wisconsin?
The licensing agency is WI Department of Safety and Professional Services / Division of Professional Credential Processing. Review agency details at https://dsps.wi.gov/Pages/Professions/Default.aspx.
How often do you renew a Athletic Trainer license in Wisconsin?
Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.