IBEW Local 494 Pay Scale 2026 — Milwaukee, WI Wages & Application Dates
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IBEW Local 494 in Milwaukee, WI pays journeyman inside wiremen $50.86/hr on the check. Below: the full apprentice-to-journeyman scale period by period, whether applications are open right now, how the process works, and a free alert the moment the next window opens.
Application status
WatchingWe're still verifying this local's application schedule — you'll be notified the moment we confirm a window.
Historically the Milwaukee JATC took applications on a rolling basis via an online TradeSchool/ApplicantPool portal, but the rebranded METI site publishes no application-window dates; contact METI at 414-543-9060 to confirm current intake
Applications are handled by Milwaukee Electrical Training Institute (METI, formerly Milwaukee Electrical JATC / MEJATC).
Official application page ↗Status last verified August 25, 2026. Source: official JATC/local site. Windows can change on short notice — always confirm details with the JATC before making plans.
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IBEW Local 494 pay scale 2026
Local 494 wages are set by the local's collective bargaining agreement, not negotiated individually — everyone in a classification earns the same scale. The journeyman inside wireman rate is $50.86/hr (2025 contract data). Apprentices earn a percentage of the journeyman rate that steps up as they progress.
| Apprentice step | % of journeyman | Hourly rate |
|---|---|---|
| Period 1 | 45% | $22.89 |
| Period 2 | 50% | $25.43 |
| Period 3 | 55% | $27.97 |
| Period 4 | 65% | $33.06 |
| Period 5 | 75% | $38.15 |
| Period 6 | 85% | $43.23 |
| Journeyman | 100% | $50.86 |
Local 494 doesn't publish its apprentice percentage steps — the table shows typical IBEW steps applied to the local's journeyman rate. Rates move with each collective bargaining agreement; confirm current figures with the local before relying on them.
What to know before you apply
mejatc.com now 301-redirects to metiwi.com (rebrand to METI, a Local 494/NECA Milwaukee partnership; How to Apply page last updated Oct 2025). Inside Construction (inside wireman) apprenticeship applications are handled by METI with aptitude testing as part of a competitive selection; CW/CE, Residential (RCW), and Sound & Communication programs use a separate shared IBEW Local 494 online form (training@ibew494.com, 414-327-5202). No dates, fees, or year-round statement are published anywhere on the current site.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When does IBEW Local 494 in Milwaukee accept apprenticeship applications?
As of August 25, 2026: We're still verifying this local's application schedule — you'll be notified the moment we confirm a window. Application schedules are set by the JATC and can change on short notice — always confirm on the JATC's own site before making plans.
How much does IBEW Local 494 pay?
The journeyman inside wireman rate for IBEW Local 494 is $50.86/hr (2025 contract data). Apprentices earn a percentage of that rate, typically starting near 45% and stepping up each period.
How much do IBEW Local 494 apprentices make?
A first-period IBEW Local 494 apprentice earns about $22.89/hr — 45% of the $50.86/hr journeyman scale — and steps up each period to $43.23/hr in the final period before turning out at full scale. Local 494 doesn't publish its own percentage steps, so these use typical IBEW steps applied to the local's journeyman rate.
How do I apply to IBEW Local 494?
Applications go through Milwaukee Electrical Training Institute (METI, formerly Milwaukee Electrical JATC / MEJATC). The usual process: submit the application with your HS diploma or GED, transcripts showing algebra, and ID; take the aptitude test; then complete a scored interview that sets your rank on the eligibility list.
What test does IBEW Local 494 use?
Most IBEW inside-wireman programs use the Electrical Training Alliance aptitude test (algebra & functions plus reading comprehension); a growing number use the broader GAN battery. Either way, your test score plus interview decide your ranking — prep before the window opens.
Related Resources
More IBEW locals near Milwaukee
Michael Briglio
IBEW Local 134 Journeyman · Licensed Contractor · IL Educator
Michael started in the IBEW at 18 and made foreman as a 3rd-year apprentice. Thirteen years in, he’s a Local 134 journeyman, a licensed electrical contractor, a licensed Illinois teacher, and OSHA 30 and EPA 608 certified. He teaches a federally recognized pre-apprenticeship on the south side of Chicago — where he’s helped 100+ students get into the IBEW. He built Sparky AI around exactly what the NJATC exam tests and what trips people up. Prep with this and you walk in ready.
Facts on this page trace to primary sources or first-hand IBEW Local 134 experience — see sources & methodology.