Best Mechatronics AAS Programs in Wisconsin, Ranked (2026)

The 3 best mechatronics AAS programs in Wisconsin, ranked

WTCS technical colleges that offer mechatronics under its current title. Several other WTCS schools rebranded their mechatronics AAS to "Electromechanical Technology" or "Automation Engineering Technology" in recent years and aren't included in this mechatronics-titled list.

Why Wisconsin is a strong mechatronics technician state

Wisconsin has one of the most-diversified Fortune 500 manufacturing employer bases per capita in the US. Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee headquarters and Tomahawk plant), Mercury Marine (Fond du Lac, outboard motors), Oshkosh Corporation (Oshkosh, military and specialty vehicles), Generac (Waukesha, backup power), Kohler (Kohler, plumbing fixtures and kitchen products), Briggs & Stratton (Wauwatosa, engines), Snap-on (Kenosha, tools), Trek Bicycle (Waterloo), plus Caterpillar South Milwaukee, John Deere Horicon, and dozens of Tier-1 suppliers feed the broader Midwest manufacturing supply chain.

For mechatronics technicians specifically, the diverse employer base means broad job options across motor manufacturing, specialty vehicle production, generator and engine manufacturing, consumer products, and traditional automotive supplier work.

Wisconsin mechatronics apprenticeships

Wisconsin operates one of the most active state-registered apprenticeship systems in the US through the Department of Workforce Development. Three WTCS technical colleges run formal Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeships:

• Madison College Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship: 10,000-hour registered apprenticeship with 27 credits of related instruction. Lab-based instruction at Madison College.
• Moraine Park Technical College Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship: 34-credit pathway with 28-credit related instruction. Serves Fond du Lac, Washington, and Dodge County manufacturing employers.
• Waukesha County Technical College Mechatronics Technician Apprenticeship: 24-credit registered apprenticeship that pairs with the Technical Studies - Journeyworker AAS. Apprentices can earn the AAS by taking 1-2 extra classes per semester. Training at WCTC's Terry Lutz Integrated Manufacturing Center.

During the apprenticeship, students earn wages from sponsoring employers (typically $41,300-$63,600 per year). Tuition for related instruction is often covered by the sponsoring employer. Apprenticeship pathways are valuable for students who want to work while training rather than committing to full-time on-campus study.

Plus Gateway Technical College in Kenosha runs the Rockwell Academy of Advanced Manufacturing (12-week intensive program) at the SC Johnson iMET Center, with explicit articulation to UW-Stout's online BS in Automation Leadership.

Top Wisconsin employers hiring mechatronics technicians

Harley-Davidson (Milwaukee + Tomahawk)

Harley-Davidson global headquarters in Milwaukee plus the Tomahawk, WI plant. Motorcycle manufacturing automation across body, paint, assembly, and powertrain.

Mercury Marine (Fond du Lac)

Brunswick subsidiary. World's largest outboard motor manufacturer. Heavy automation across casting, machining, and assembly.

Oshkosh Corporation (Oshkosh)

Specialty vehicle manufacturer: military trucks (M-ATV, JLTV), Pierce fire apparatus, McNeilus refuse trucks, JLG aerial work platforms. Major engineering and technician employer.

Generac (Waukesha)

Backup power and generator manufacturing. Heavy automation across generator assembly and engine production. Major Waukesha County employer.

Kohler (Kohler, WI)

Plumbing fixtures, kitchen products, engines, power systems. Diversified manufacturing across the Kohler campus.

Briggs & Stratton (Wauwatosa) + Snap-on (Kenosha) + Trek Bicycle (Waterloo)

Engines, tools, and bicycles respectively. Each is a mid-to-large WI employer with mechatronics-technician hiring.

Caterpillar South Milwaukee + John Deere Horicon

Heavy equipment and ag equipment manufacturing. Strong Tier-1 supplier base.

Mechatronics technician salary in Wisconsin

• Mechanical Engineering Technologists (SOC 17-3027) in WI: median around $61,000 to $68,000.
• Mechanical Engineering Technicians (SOC 17-3024) in WI: median around $58,000 to $64,000.
• Entry-level AAS graduate wages: $44,000 to $54,000 typical. WCTC self-reports $58,700-$77,200 annual wage range for the Robotics and Automation ET AAS.
• Apprenticeship wages: $41,300-$63,600 per year during the registered apprenticeship.
• Cost of living in WI runs around 92 percent of US average overall. Milwaukee metro slightly higher, smaller cities lower.

From AAS to bachelor's: Wisconsin transfer pathways

UW-Stout BS in Automation Leadership is Wisconsin's primary mechatronics-adjacent bachelor's continuation. The 100 percent online program is specifically designed for WTCS mechatronics AAS-completers. Up to 88 of the 120 credits can come from SACA (Smart Automation Certification Alliance) stackable credentials, which means many WTCS AAS holders can complete the BS in 12-18 months online.

For students who want ABET-accredited mechatronics specifically, the closest options are out-of-state: Michigan (Kettering, Lawrence Tech, Ferris State), Minnesota (MNSU Mankato Integrated Engineering), Illinois (NIU, SIUE), and Tennessee (MTSU).

Best Wisconsin cities for mechatronics technician careers

Milwaukee metro

Harley-Davidson, Briggs & Stratton, Snap-on, plus the broader Milwaukee manufacturing base. Densest mechatronics employer cluster in WI.

Madison

Home to Madison College mechatronics apprenticeship. Diversified manufacturing plus state government and university research employers.

Waukesha

Home to WCTC. Generac headquarters. Major southeastern WI manufacturing employer base.

Eau Claire

Home to CVTC. Western WI manufacturing corridor.

La Crosse

Home to Western Technical College. Trane, Kwik Trip, and broader western WI manufacturing.

Fond du Lac

Mercury Marine headquarters. Home to Moraine Park Technical College apprenticeship.

Oshkosh

Oshkosh Corporation specialty vehicle manufacturing.

How we ranked Wisconsin mechatronics AAS programs

Every program scored on our 7-factor methodology. See the full methodology breakdown. All three WI programs are WTCS technical colleges with similar tuition, accreditation, and pathway structures. Differentiators are regional employer access and specific curriculum focus (CVTC stacks on a diploma, Western Tech emphasizes Industry 4.0, WCTC integrates with apprenticeship pathway).

Wisconsin mechatronics AAS: frequently asked questions

Sources

• BLS OEWS for SOC 17-3024 and 17-3027 in Wisconsin, May 2024 release.
• Wisconsin Economic Development Corporation: state manufacturing employment data.
• Wisconsin Technical College System: WTCS member colleges and registered apprenticeship programs.
• Wisconsin DWD Apprenticeship: state-registered apprenticeship system.
• CVTC Mechatronics Specialist AAS.
• Western Tech Mechatronic & Robotic ET AAS.
• WCTC Robotics and Automation ET AAS.
• UW-Stout BS in Automation Leadership (online bachelor's continuation).