Plumber Career Guide in Wisconsin
Explore plumber salary, licensing requirements, training pathways, apprenticeships, job outlook, and career opportunities in Wisconsin.
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How to Become a Plumber in Wisconsin
Plumbers in Wisconsin install, modify, and repair water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, fixtures, and related plumbing systems. The statewide median wage is approximately $78,510 per year, which is about $15,540 higher than the national median for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters.
The usual Wisconsin pathway is a registered plumbing apprenticeship that combines paid supervised employment with related technical instruction. Completing a recognized plumbing apprenticeship provides the standard route to Journeyman Plumber examination and licensing.
Most plumbers in Wisconsin complete a state-registered plumbing apprenticeship sponsored by a local apprenticeship committee, United Association local union, plumbing contractor, or industry training organization.
The standard plumbing apprenticeship generally takes approximately five years and includes about 8,000 hours of paid on-the-job training. Depending on the training committee, apprentices may complete more than 800 hours of related classroom instruction covering plumbing codes, water distribution, drainage, venting, blueprint reading, pipe installation, medical gas systems, backflow prevention, hydronic systems, and workplace safety.
Registered plumbing apprentices may install or modify plumbing only while properly indentured in an approved apprenticeship and working under the general supervision of a licensed Master Plumber.
Note: Training pathways vary by employer, program sponsor, and licensing category. Classroom education may provide useful technical preparation, but it does not automatically replace supervised work experience unless the applicable licensing authority specifically allows that credit.
Plumber Salary in Wisconsin
The salary figure shown on this page represents the Wisconsin median wage for plumber workers, based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics occupational wage data. A median wage is the point at which half of workers earn more and half earn less. It is not a guaranteed starting salary.
Actual earnings may vary by experience, license level, metropolitan area, employer, industry, overtime, and union agreement.
Compared with the national median of $62,970, the median wage in Wisconsin is approximately $15,540 higher. This comparison does not account for differences in cost of living.
Licensing Authority for Plumbers in Wisconsin
Note: Licensing rules, fees, examinations, exemptions, and renewal requirements may change. Applicants should verify current requirements directly with the authority listed above before beginning work, applying for an examination, or enrolling in a training program.
CAREER PREPARATIONPlumber Training Requirements in Wisconsin
Enter a Wisconsin registered plumbing apprenticeship and complete the required supervised work experience and related classroom instruction. After completing the approved apprenticeship, apply for the Journeyman Plumber examination and license.
A Master Plumber applicant may qualify through the applicable Wisconsin experience pathway, including qualifying experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber, and must pass the required master-level examination.
Wisconsin Plumbing Code
Apprentices study Wisconsin plumbing regulations, fixture requirements, water distribution, sanitary drainage, venting, stormwater systems, permits, inspections, and code-compliant plumbing practices.
Water Supply & Drainage Systems
Training covers potable-water piping, sanitary drainage, vent systems, water heaters, pumps, pressure regulation, sewage systems, storm drainage, and plumbing-system troubleshooting.
Pipe Installation & Blueprint Reading
Students learn blueprint interpretation, plumbing layout, pipe sizing, copper soldering and brazing, threaded piping, cast-iron installation, plastic piping, hangers, supports, valves, and fixture connections.
Commercial & Industrial Plumbing
Advanced training includes commercial plumbing, process piping, hydronic systems, compressed air, steam piping, industrial water systems, medical gas installations, and backflow prevention.
Plumbing Safety & OSHA Practices
Programs emphasize trench safety, confined-space procedures, lockout/tagout, fall protection, personal protective equipment, material handling, First Aid, CPR, and safe use of plumbing tools and machinery.
Plumber Training Providers in Wisconsin
| Provider | City | Program Website |
|---|---|---|
| Milwaukee Area Technical College | Milwaukee | View Program |
| Madison College | Madison | View Program |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | Green Bay | View Program |
| Fox Valley Technical College | Appleton | View Program |
| Gateway Technical College | Kenosha | View Program |
Note: Program availability, admission requirements, tuition, and credit toward licensing requirements may change. Verify current details directly with the provider and the applicable state licensing authority before enrolling. Listings are informational and do not constitute rankings or endorsements.
PAID TRAINING OPPORTUNITIESPlumber Apprenticeship Programs in Wisconsin
Wisconsin Plumbing Apprenticeship
Organization: Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development
Plumber Licensing Requirements in Wisconsin
Wisconsin regulates plumbers at the state level through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS). Individuals may not perform regulated plumbing work unless they hold the appropriate state credential or are registered plumbing apprentices working under the required supervision.
Wisconsin issues Plumbing Apprentice Registration, Journeyman Plumber License, Master Plumber License, and several restricted plumbing credentials. A licensed Journeyman Plumber generally performs plumbing work under the general supervision of a licensed Master Plumber, Master Plumber Restricted, or Utility Contractor.
Plumbing businesses must use appropriately credentialed workers, and a licensed Master Plumber is generally responsible for supervising plumbing installations and modifications.
EMPLOYMENT PROJECTIONSPlumber Job Outlook in Wisconsin
Wisconsin provides strong career opportunities for plumbers because of commercial construction, manufacturing, food processing, healthcare facilities, residential development, utilities, institutional maintenance, and aging water infrastructure.
Milwaukee and Madison provide the largest employment markets. Green Bay, Appleton, Racine, Kenosha, Eau Claire, and other regional centers also create demand for plumbers working in manufacturing facilities, hospitals, schools, apartment developments, municipal buildings, and infrastructure projects.
Wisconsin’s large manufacturing and food-processing industries create additional opportunities for plumbers and pipe trades workers experienced with process piping, steam systems, compressed air, industrial water systems, boilers, and production equipment.
Wisconsin projects employment for plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters to grow by approximately 10% from 2022 to 2032, with about 760 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Note: State employment projections may use a different base period from national BLS projections. Projected growth is an estimate rather than a guarantee of employment, and local demand may vary by metropolitan area, industry, construction activity, and employer investment.
CAREER QUESTIONSFrequently Asked Questions
What is the plumber salary in Wisconsin?
The statewide median wage for plumbers in Wisconsin is approximately $78,510 per year, or $37.75 per hour, based on May 2024 occupational wage data. Actual earnings vary by experience, license level, location, employer, overtime, and industry.
Does Wisconsin require plumber licensing?
Yes. Wisconsin requires individuals performing regulated, non-exempt plumber work to hold the appropriate license or credential. Applicants should verify the current license category, experience, examination, and renewal requirements with Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services.
How long does it take to become a plumber in Wisconsin?
The time required depends on the license pathway and training program. A typical training pathway takes approximately 4–5 Years Apprenticeship, although licensing, apprenticeship, and employer requirements may differ.
Are plumbers in demand in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin projects plumber employment to grow by approximately 10% from 2022 to 2032, with about 760 openings per year. Projections include both new positions and openings created when workers leave the occupation.
Career Data Sources
State wage, employment outlook, and licensing information is reviewed using government and official regulatory sources. Data and requirements may change after publication.
- May 2024 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates — U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. May 2024 State OEWS
- Wisconsin Wages for Plumber (SOC 47-2152) — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Plumber Wages
- Wisconsin Plumber Employment Trends — O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor. Wisconsin Plumber Employment Trends
- Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services — Licensing authority. Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services