All localsMadison, Wisconsin
IBEW Local 159
Journeyman inside wiremen at Local 159 earn $51.70/hr (2026 scale). Applications: accepting year-round.
Journeyman$51.70/hr
With benefitsNot published
First-step apprentice$23.27/hr
Apprenticeship applications
Accepting year-roundLocal 159 takes applications year-round, so you can apply any time. Status as of October 24, 2026.
Local 159 apprentice pay
Each step is a share of the $51.70 journeyman rate. Steps usually move every 1,000 hours or six months of work and school.
| Step | % of journeyman | Hourly | Per year at 2,000 h |
|---|---|---|---|
| Step 1 | 45% | $23.27 | $46,540 |
| Step 2 | 50% | $25.85 | $51,700 |
| Step 3 | 55% | $28.44 | $56,880 |
| Step 4 | 65% | $33.61 | $67,220 |
| Step 5 | 75% | $38.78 | $77,560 |
| Step 6 | 85% | $43.95 | $87,900 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $51.70 | $103,400 |
Base wage only, before overtime and benefits. Rates change with each new agreement, so confirm with the local.