Plumber in Wisconsin

Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI. Updated with 2024 BLS OEWS wage data.

Median annual salary

$78,510

trending_up +24.7% vs. national

BLS OEWS 2024, Wisconsin.

engineering

9,120

Jobs (WI)

monitoring Strong

+4.5%

10-yr job growth

payments

$250

Est. total cost

schedule

5 years (apprenticeship)

Time to complete

route How to become a plumber in Wisconsin

To become a licensed Journeyman Plumber in Wisconsin, individuals must complete a five-year approved apprenticeship program, which includes 8,000 hours of on-the-job training and 572 hours of classroom instruction. After completing the apprenticeship, applicants must pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Examination and pay the associated application and licensing fees. While Wisconsin does not have direct reciprocity with other states, out-of-state plumbers may be eligible for licensure if they meet Wisconsin's specific requirements and pass the state exam.

bar_chart Salary percentiles

10th percentile (entry) $48,960

25th percentile $60,990

50th (median) $78,510

75th percentile $100,710

90th (experienced) $114,460

Source: BLS OEWS 2024 for Wisconsin. Metro-area wages may differ significantly from the state aggregate.

checklist Wisconsin requirements

Licensing body	Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
State license	Required
Education	Completion of an approved apprenticeship program.
Experience	8,000.0 hours
Exam	Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Examination ($20)
Application fee	$10
Renewal	Every 4.0 years
Continuing education	24.0 hours per cycle
Notes	Minimum age for apprenticeship is 18 years old and requires a high school diploma or GED. Journeyman plumbers must work under the general supervision of a Master Plumber. Master Plumber requires 3 years of experience as a licensed Journeyman Plumber (1,000 hours annually) or a relevant engineering degree and passing the Master Plumber exam.

Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services

workspace_premium Wisconsin license tiers

Wisconsin offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:

Tier	Hours required
Apprentice	N/A
Journeyman	6,800
Master	12,800

work_outline Job outlook

10-year growth

+4.5%

Faster than average

Annual openings

44,000

Nationwide per year

Total employment

504,500

Nationwide

neurology

AI & tech impact

verified Low exposure -1.12/1.00

This career has low exposure to AI automation. Most tasks require physical presence, human judgment, or hands-on skills that AI cannot easily replicate.

hub

balance Is it worth it?

Rough payback period

0 months

~$250 investment ÷ $78,510 median salary

check_circleWisconsin license required — clearer credential signal to employers
check_circleLow AI disruption risk

psychology

Wondering if a plumber career is the right fit?

See what the day actually looks like, who the role suits, and who should skip it — grounded in real practitioner sources.

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Frequently asked questions

What's required to work as a plumber in Wisconsin? expand_more

To become a plumber in Wisconsin, you need to complete the required education (Completion of an approved apprenticeship program.), gain 8,000.0 hours of supervised experience, pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Examination, and submit your application ($10 fee).

Does Wisconsin require plumber licensure? expand_more

Yes, Wisconsin requires a state license to practice as a plumber. The licensing body is Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services. You must pass the Wisconsin Journeyman Plumber Examination.

What is the average plumber salary in Wisconsin? expand_more

Wisconsin plumbers bring home a median salary of $78,510. — 25% higher than the $62,970 national figure. New plumbers start around $48,960; seasoned professionals can reach $114,460.

What's the total cost to get plumber certified in Wisconsin? expand_more

Plan on spending $250 total — that covers exam fee ($20) and application fee ($10) plus your education and training.

How long does it take to become a plumber in Wisconsin? expand_more

In Wisconsin, becoming a plumber generally takes 5 years (apprenticeship), accounting for education requirements, hands-on training, and the exam process.

Does Wisconsin require continuing education for plumbers? expand_more

To keep your license active, Wisconsin mandates 24.0 CE hours every 4.0 years.