What this means Our calculation
22 of 25 trades here pay more than the typical U.S. metro; the best-paid is plumbers at $92,720. Prices run 7% below the U.S. average, so a paycheck here is worth more than the same dollars elsewhere. For the wider job market, unemployment is lower than most metros (3.2%) and the population is growing at a typical pace (+2.6% since 2020).
Highest-paying trades in Eau Claire Government data
All 25 trades
Vs. U.S. compares with the typical metro for that trade. Jobs are employment estimates, not open positions. Click a column to sort.
| Trade | Median pay | Vs. U.S. | Real pay | Jobs | U.S. rank |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $92,720 | +51% | $99,918 | 210 | #15 |
| Construction Supervisor | $92,060 | +19% | $99,207 | 480 | #60 |
| Brickmason | $81,860 | +30% | $88,215 | 40 | #17 |
| Building Inspector | $76,220 | +13% | $82,137 | 30 | #88 |
| Sheet Metal Worker | $76,040 | +24% | $81,943 | 80 | #55 |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | $75,970 | +27% | $81,868 | 260 | #73 |
| Electrician | $75,380 | +21% | $81,232 | 350 | #109 |
| Industrial Machinery Mechanic | $69,350 | +9% | $74,734 | 300 | #121 |
| Diesel Mechanic | $62,400 | +3% | $67,244 | 270 | #122 |
| HVAC Technician | $61,280 | +3% | $66,037 | 150 | #148 |
| Concrete Finisher | $61,010 | +7% | $65,746 | 210 | #101 |
| Machinist | $60,580 | +6% | $65,283 | 220 | #84 |
| Drywall Installer | $59,220 | +10% | $63,817 | 40 | #65 |
| Carpenter | $59,090 | +5% | $63,677 | 360 | #155 |
| Telecom Equipment Installer | $58,300 | -6% | $62,826 | 60 | #263 |
| Construction Laborer | $58,240 | +24% | $62,761 | 640 | #48 |
| Welder | $58,110 | +11% | $62,621 | 350 | #94 |
| Auto Body Repairer | $55,560 | +8% | $59,873 | 100 | #133 |
| Septic & Sewer Technician | $55,310 | +8% | $59,604 | 30 | #54 |
| Maintenance Technician | $53,890 | +12% | $58,074 | 920 | #76 |
| Roofer | $51,380 | +2% | $55,369 | 70 | #120 |
| Auto Mechanic | $50,280 | +3% | $54,183 | 370 | #153 |
| Painter | $47,230 | -1% | $50,897 | 110 | #198 |
| Landscaper | $38,470 | +2% | $41,457 | 490 | #147 |
| Pest Control Technician | $38,130 | -14% | $41,090 | 80 | #190 |
Pay: BLS OEWS, May 2025 (metro-level). Real pay: BEA price parities, 2024. How we calculate
Living costs & homes Government data
Homes in Eau Claire
The Eau Claire area has about 78,969 homes. 48% were built before 1980 (typical metro 45%), so its housing is about as old as most; 16% were built in 2010 or later. 64% of households own their home, and the median home value is $294,700.
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table DP04).
Job market & growth Government data
Unemployment
3.2% in 2025 (typical metro 4.1%), all workers.
BLS Local Area Unemployment Statistics, 2021–2025.
Population
The Eau Claire area's population grew 2.6% from 2020 to 2025 (172,232 → 176,647), ranking #192 of 387 metros for growth (typical metro +2.5%). People moving in (net +4,277) account for most of the change.
Census Bureau population estimates, July 1 of each year, 2020–2025.
New homes permitted
New-home permits in Eau Claire are down 26% from 2021 to 2025 (1,279 → 946). Permits signal construction activity, not open jobs.
Census Building Permits Survey, 2021–2025.
Getting to work
The average commute in the Eau Claire area is 20 minutes each way, shorter than the typical metro (24 min). 8% of commuters spend 45 minutes or more. 77% drive alone, 1% take transit and 12% work from home (all workers, not just trades).
Census American Community Survey, 2024 1-year estimates (table S0801).
Licensing in Wisconsin Official source
The main state licensing office in Wisconsin is the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. It can point you to the right license for skilled trades.
Official Wisconsin licensing site ↗
Requirements for skilled trades vary by state and sometimes by city; always confirm with the official agency.
Nearby metros
Compare any trade in two cities with city vs. city, or see every metro in Wisconsin.