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Verified by WI Board of Public Safety

Firefighter Licensing in Wisconsin

Review current requirements, exam details, renewal cycle, and salary outlook for firefighter in Wisconsin, including See agency and board contact links.

Last verified: Feb 21, 2026

Current

Application Fee

See agency

Exam Requirement

State exam required

Renewal Cycle

See board renewal rules

Licensing Blueprint for Firefighter in Wisconsin

Estimated timeline: Varies by board

Core Requirements

  1. 1

    Education: Degree required.

  2. 2

    Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.

  3. 3

    License Type: Stand-alone license.

Exam and processing details

  • State exam required

Continuing education and program notes

  • Continuing education required to maintain license

Application Snapshot

  1. Licensing Authority

    WI Department of Safety and Professional Services • Division of Professional Credential Processing

  2. Current Filing Fee

    See agency

  3. Renewal Cycle

    See board renewal rules

  4. Salary Position

    $47,710 median (20% below national)

  5. State Salary Rank

    #33 of 50 states

Step-by-Step Process (6)

  1. 1. Meet Wisconsin eligibility requirements for Firefighter licensure.
  2. 2. Complete required education or training: Degree required.
  3. 3. Pass required examination steps: State exam required.
  4. 4. Prepare supporting documentation (background check: No criminal record prohibitions; Background/Criminal Review: No criminal record prohibitions.).
  5. 5. Submit the application to WI Department of Safety and Professional Services~Division of Professional Credential Processing and monitor board communications.
  6. 6. Maintain post-licensure compliance (continuing education: Continuing education required to maintain license).

Salary Insights in Wisconsin

With a median salary of $47,710, Firefighters in Wisconsin earn 20% below the national median of $59,530. Wisconsin ranks #33 among 50 states. The typical licensing timeline is Varies by board.

State Hiring Climate (QCEW)

Rising

QoQ Employment Change

+2.3%

Average Weekly Wage

$1,213

Median annual salary

$47,710

Hourly estimate

$22.94
20% below national median

Difference: -$11,820

Percentile Distribution

Annual compensation
  • P1010th percentile$31,200
  • P2525th percentile$36,780
  • P50Median$47,710
  • P7575th percentile$61,870
  • P9090th percentile$77,960

State vs National Median

State: $47,710
National: $59,530

Total employment: 8,010 | Annual openings: N/A

Firefighter Salary Ranking

#33 of 50 statesfor Firefighter median salary
RankStateMedian Salary
#1Washington$93,490
#2New York$88,380
#3New Jersey$87,660
#4California$83,400
#5Illinois$79,080

Nearby States Comparison

Firefighter licensing across the region
StateMedian SalaryEducationExamTimeline
Wisconsin$47,710Degree requiredState exam requiredVaries by board
Minnesota$41,990Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Iowa$55,190Specific course requiredState-approved examVaries by board
Illinois$79,080Varies by state boardState-approved examVaries by board
Michigan$55,570Specific course requiredNo exam required1 month

License by Endorsement

Transfer requirements are state-specific. Use this quick matrix as a planning signal, then verify final endorsement rules with each board.

StateReciprocity ScoreTierNotes
Wisconsin58MediumState-specific exam conditions may apply. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Minnesota78HighBoard-specific review required.
Iowa60MediumDocumented experience may be required. Background check or criminal history review is indicated.
Illinois78HighBoard-specific review required.
Michigan54LowState-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

Visit Official WebsiteCall BoardOpen in Maps

Related Careers in Wisconsin

ProfessionMedian SalaryEducationTimeline
Corrections Officer$74,490Varies by state boardVaries by board
Police Officer$78,980Varies by state boardVaries by board
Security Guards$39,110No educational requirementsVaries by board
Acupuncturist$74,450Degree requiredVaries by board

FAQ

How long does it take to become a Firefighter 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 Firefighters in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin lists State exam required as part of the licensure process for Firefighters.

What education do you need to become a Firefighter in Wisconsin?

The board typically expects Degree required for Firefighter licensure in Wisconsin.

What is the typical Firefighter salary in Wisconsin?

The median annual salary for Firefighters in Wisconsin is $47,710. Salaries range from $31,200 (10th percentile) to $77,960 (90th percentile).

How does the Firefighter salary in Wisconsin compare to the national average?

Firefighters in Wisconsin earn 20% below the national median of $59,530, with a state median of $47,710.

How many Firefighters work in Wisconsin?

Wisconsin employs approximately 8,010 Firefighters according to BLS data.

Can I transfer my Firefighter 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 Firefighters 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 Firefighter license in Wisconsin?

Current guidance indicates a renewal cycle of See board renewal rules.