Page 9 - TransTodayWISpring2026

Spring/Summer 2026 Transportation Today Wisconsin™ | 9

Roadway Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship

hances are you’ve likely seen the
C C construction crews on the sides of TRAINING AT A GLANCE
Wisconsin highways performing routine
highway maintenance, but did you know
Wisconsin is the only state in which the
counties are in charge of the mainte- TIME TO COMPLETE
nance?
In other states, highway mainte- 2 YEARS
nance is done by the state’s Department
of Transportation, but here in Wisconsin
we have a routine maintenance agree-
ment with the Wisconsin Department of ON THE JOB TIME
Transportation that gives the counties
the responsibility of maintaining our 4000 HOURS
state highways.
What is a Roadway Wages & Employment Trends
Maintenance Technician? PAID RELATED
In Wisconsin: INSTRUCTION TIME *
A Roadway Maintenance Techni-
cian ensures the safety and longevity of • Workers on average earn $54,780. 288 HOURS
infrastructure like highways and roads • 10% of workers earn $43,750 or less.
by repairing pavement, clearing debris, • 10% of workers earn $64,460 or more.
plowing snow, and operating heavy * Apprentices are paid regular hourly wages during
equipment. They also set up traffic In the United States: the Paid Related Instruction time in the classroom
control, such as cones and signs. • Workers on average earn $49,070.
Requirements typically include a high • 10% of workers earn $35,030 or less.
school diploma or GED, a valid driver's • 10% of workers earn $69,210 or more.
license, and on-the-job training.
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2024 wage data

Key Job Responsibilities

• Repairs & Maintenance: Patching potholes, filling cracks, cleaning
drainage systems, and repairing guardrails.
• Seasonal Duties: Plowing snow, spreading salt/sand, and clearing
brush or mowing roadsides.
• Safety & Operations: Setting up work zone traffic control (signs/
cones), flagging traffic, and operating heavy machinery like dump
trucks and loaders. How to Become a Roadway Maintenance
Technician
• Infrastructure Inspection: Monitoring roads, signs, and traffic signals
for damage.
• Education: A high school diploma or GED is
required.
WHERE DO I START? SCAN HERE • Licensure: A valid driver’s license is required, with
a Commercial Driver's License (CDL) often pre-
ferred or required for operating heavy machinery.
You can find more information about becoming a Roadway
Maintenance Technician Apprentice (and other apprenticeships) at: • Training & Skills: On-the-job training is
common, but technical school courses in civil
dwd.wisconsin.gov/apprenticeship/
engineering, construction, or maintenance are
occupations/roadway-mainttech.htm
beneficial.
Or use the QR code at right
• Certifications: OSHA 10-hour construction
Contact information: safety certification is often required.
Phone: (608) 733-3930 • Physical Requirements: Ability to perform
E-mail: apprenticeship@dwd.wisconsin.gov heavy physical labor, such as lifting, pushing,
201 E. Washington Ave. | PO Box 7972 | Madison, WI 53703
and pulling.