Plumber in Wisconsin
Requirements, salary data, licensing costs, and career ROI for WI
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.
Plumber Requirements in Wisconsin
| Detail | Wisconsin |
|---|---|
| Licensing Body | Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services |
| State License Required | Yes |
| Education | Completion of an approved apprenticeship program. |
| Experience Required | 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
License Tiers
Wisconsin offers multiple tiers of plumber licensing:
| Tier | Hours Required |
|---|---|
| Apprentice | N/A |
| Journeyman | 6,800 |
| Master | 12,800 |
Plumber Salary in Wisconsin
The median plumber salary in Wisconsin is $78,510 per year, which is 24.7% above the national median of $62,970.
| Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| 10th (entry level) | $48,960 |
| 25th | $60,990 |
| 50th (median) | $78,510 |
| 75th | $100,710 |
| 90th (experienced) | $114,460 |
Wisconsin employs approximately 9,120 plumbers.
Plumber Job Outlook
AI Impact on Plumbers
Low AI Exposure (Score: -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.
Is Becoming a Plumber in Wisconsin Worth It?
With an estimated total investment of $250 and a median salary of $78,510 in Wisconsin, the rough payback period is approximately 0 months.
Factors to consider: Wisconsin's cost of living, the state licensing requirement, moderate job growth, low AI disruption risk, and your personal career goals.