In Wisconsin, where the dairy farms and Great Lakes landscapes paint a picture of Midwestern charm and dynamic spirit, the plumbing network quietly fuels the heartbeat of people’s homes, businesses, and neighborhoods.
At the nucleus of this vital system are the skilled hands of plumbers, dedicated to ensuring convenience and comfort in the rhythm of our modern lives.
Choosing a career in plumbing within the Badger State transcends the mere tasks of fixing leaks or installing pipes; it’s a rewarding journey offering professional fulfillment and a tangible impact on our communities.
In this article, we’ll share everything you need to know on how to become a plumber in Wisconsin.
Table of Contents
How to Become a Plumber in Wisconsin – Step by Step
To begin your plumbing journey in Wisconsin you must be at least 18 years old.
The other requirement is that you must also have a High School Diploma or the GED equivalent.
You will start your training by enrolling in an apprenticeship program approved by the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship.
You can also train by working directly under the supervision of a licensed professional.
As soon as you begin your training, you must register as an apprentice plumber with the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services and pay the registration fee.
You will renew your apprentice registration annually until you complete your apprenticeship.
Apprenticeships in Wisconsin usually last between 4 and 5 years.
After completing your apprenticeship you can go on to apply for one of the plumbing licenses the state issues.
Wisconsin issues the following plumbing licenses:
- Journeyman Plumber License
- Master Plumber License
Journeyman Plumber License
To apply for the Journeyman Plumber License you must have at least 8,000 years of experience as an apprentice.
You must submit the application form and pay the $10 application fee.
There Is an additional $20 exam fee.
The Journeyman exam is an open-book exam that consists of 2 parts.
Part 1 consists of 87 questions while Part 2 consists of 120 questions.
You’ll have a 3-hour time limit for each part.
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
You will receive your results within 3 weeks of completing the exam via mail.
If you have passed the exam you will go on to apply for your Journeyman Plumber License and pay the $180 licensure fee.
The exam result letter will include information for scheduling the next exam date if you failed the exam.
You may apply for credentials by mail for a future exam site once you have received your exam result letter.
Master Plumber License
To apply for the Master Plumber License you must have completed at least 1,000 hours of plumbing-related work for at least three consecutive years as a journeyman plumber.
You can also apply for this license if you have a degree in engineering.
You must submit the application form and pay the $20 application fee.
There is an additional $30 examination fee.
The Master Plumber exam is an open-book exam that consists of 2 parts.
Part 1 consists of 110 questions and part 2 consists of 132 questions.
There is a 4-hour time limit for each part of the exam.
You need a score of 70% or higher to pass the exam.
You will receive your results within 3 weeks of completing the exam via mail.
If you have passed the exam you will go on to apply for your Master Plumber License and pay the $500 licensure fee.
The exam result letter will include information for scheduling the next exam date if you failed the exam.
You may apply for credentials by mail for a future exam site once you have received your exam result letter.
Plumbing Schools in Wisconsin
The journey to becoming a plumber in Wisconsin is a long and laborious one, but the state ensures that its aspiring plumbers get the best apprenticeships and schooling to prepare them for the field work ahead.
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College
Northeast Wisconsin Technical College offers an apprenticeship program.
Their program lasts for 5 years and you will have 8,000 hours of training.
The program consists of:
- On-the-job training (OJT) – 7,600 hours of work with a skilled craftsperson as per Exhibit “A”
- Paid-Related Instruction (Day) – 500 hours and successful completion of class material
- Non-Paid Related Instruction (Night) – 260 hours (80% attendance of each class to receive credit)
Requirements you need to meet before applying for this program include:
- High school graduate or the GED equivalent
- Be at least 18 years old, the only exception to this would be 17 but a high school graduate
- Applicants must pass one of the following assessments:
- ACT: 15 in Math and 16 in Reading
- Accuplacer Classic: 66 in Arithmetic, 33 in Algebra, and 66 in Reading
- Accuplacer Next Gen: 237 in Arithmetic, 235 in QAS, and 244 in Reading
- License: Valid driver’s license (submit copy)
- Completed application
To learn more about the program, and to apply visit their website.
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | 2740 W Mason St, Green Bay, WI 54307, United States |
Salary
Plumbers in Wisconsin are paid fairly for their hard work to keep the community’s plumbing systems running smoothly.
Annual salaries currently vary anywhere from $46,907 to $79,569.
The current annual average salary around the state is $63,175.
The city with the current highest annual salary is Milwaukee with $63,476.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $63,476 |
| Waukesha | $63,237 |
| Kenosha | $63,008 |
| Racine | $63,008 |
| Madison | $62,845 |
| Adams | $62,331 |
| Appleton | $61,540 |
| Green Bay | $61,527 |
| Eau Claire | $61,402 |
| Oshkosh | $61,142 |
Regional Salary in Wisconsin
| Region | Employed | Avg. Annual Salary | Avg. Hourly Pay | Top 10% Annual Salary | Bottom 10% Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Appleton, WI | 710 | $78,210 | $37.6 | $99,240 | $47,410 |
| Eau Claire, WI | 150 | $73,160 | $35.17 | $100,870 | $45,330 |
| Fond du Lac, WI | 230 | $71,300 | $34.28 | $98,530 | $39,190 |
| Green Bay, WI | 470 | $77,990 | $37.5 | $101,550 | $46,140 |
| Janesville-Beloit, WI | 100 | $79,180 | $38.07 | $100,540 | $44,670 |
| La Crosse-Onalaska, WI-MN | 220 | $76,040 | $36.56 | $102,200 | $46,160 |
| Madison, WI | 1,070 | $81,080 | $38.98 | $104,720 | $46,670 |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha-West Allis, WI | 1,720 | $83,120 | $39.96 | $113,250 | $46,740 |
| Oshkosh-Neenah, WI | 180 | $77,530 | $37.28 | $104,920 | $47,630 |
| Racine, WI | 190 | $77,270 | $37.15 | $102,970 | $45,720 |
| Sheboygan, WI | 90 | $71,550 | $34.4 | $97,500 | $39,380 |
| Wausau, WI | 130 | $73,320 | $35.25 | $100,350 | $44,340 |
* Employment conditions in your area may vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I take the plumbing exams in Wisconsin?
Plumbing exams in Wisconsin are being issued in the following cities:
- Appleton
- Brookfield
- Eau Clair
- Madison
When should I renew my Wisconsin plumbing license?
You should renew your Wisconsin plumbing license by March 31st, every four years, because that’s when they expire.
How much does it cost to renew my plumbing license in Wisconsin?
Plumbing license renewals in Wisconsin are the same price as the initial licensing.
Journeyman Plumber license renewal – $180
Master Plumber license renewal – $500
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