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Do you want to start a plumbing career in Wisconsin?
If so, you will need some good info on how training and licensing go.
Take a look at the article below in order to learn more about it.
Article Table of Contents
Plumber Job Description and Requirements
In Wisconsin, a plumber has to complete various daily duties, which include:
- Reading or drafting blueprints
- Installing the piping system
- Maintaining the water system
- Repairing the system whenever needed
- Ensuring the safety standards
- Meeting building regulations
- Using the appropriate devices to measure or solder
In this state, there are 3 available certifications for plumbers:
- Apprentice
- Journeyman Plumber
- Master plumber
All the plumbing licenses in this state are handled by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services (DSPS).
How to Become an Apprentice in Wisconsin
In Wisconsin, you can enroll in a training program to get the experience you need.
The theory classes available include:
- Drafting,
- Mathematics,
- Science,
- Sprinkler installation,
- Pipefitting
- Reading blueprints
Besides theory, you will also have to attend some practice hours.
If you are already employed, you can search for an online program instead of a physical one.
But, keep in mind you will still have to attend the practice hours in person.
The program you choose has to be approved by the board in Wisconsin.
You are also required to register your apprenticeship and renew it annually.
The training programs for plumbers is 8,000 hours and 5 years of experience of work while supervised by a master plumber, split as:
- 7,428 hours of practice
- 572 hours of theory
Another way in which you can get the required experience is to pursue an associate’s or bachelor’s degree.
To join a program, you have to fulfill some requirements:
- 16 years old at the minimum
- High-school diploma or equivalent
- Driver’s license
- Birth certificate copy
- Proof of being a citizen of the US
- Pass a drug test
- Understand written and spoken English
- Send in an Application for Plumbing Apprenticeship Registration
- Pay a $15 fee
As an apprentice, you will have to work under the supervision of a master plumber.
You will also be paid for your work, about half of what licensed plumbers earn.
How to Get a Journeyman License in Wisconsin
The journeyman license allows you to do any plumbing work without supervision.
The requirements for this license are:
- Be 18 years old
- Show proof of apprenticeship through a training program certificate
- Social security number
- School transcripts
- Take and pass an exam
- Exam application and a fee of $20
- $10 license application fee
- Letter from the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards documenting your experience
You will also need to take and pass an exam, that includes topics such as:
- Plumbing fundamentals and safety;
- Materials used, and specifications;
- Traps, interceptors, and backwater valves;
- Plumbing fixtures, fixture fittings, and plumbing appliances;
- Water supply systems;
- Backflow preventions;
- Gas appliances and piping;
- Plumbing mathematics.
The exam is split into 2 different sections and is open book.
You have to get a 70% score in order to pass it.
How to Get a Master Plumber License in Wisconsin
If you get a master plumber license, you will be able to perform any type of plumbing work.
More so, you will also be able to run your own plumbing business.
In order to get this license, you have to submit an application and pass an exam.
The requirements include:
- At least 18 years old
- 1,000 hours of experience on a journeyman plumber position
- Alternatively, you can show an associate’s degree or a bachelor’s degree
- Meet the experience requirements
- Send an Application for the master plumber license
- Submit a $20 application fee
- Submit a $30 exam fee
You will have to submit your application to the Department of Safety and Professional Services.
Plumber Employment and Salary Information
In Wisconsin, the median salary for a plumber with some experience is $26.35 per hour.
However, you will be able to earn more if you have more experience.
You can earn more if you work and live in a metropolitan area as well.
Some plumbers choose to join a union, as this brings more job opportunities and work safety.
Some of the unions you can join in Wisconsin are Union Local 75 and UA Local 400 Plumbers and Steamfitters.
Annual Salary Range:| Location | Avg. Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Milwaukee | $56,970 |
| Madison | $56,403 |
| Green Bay | $55,221 |
| Kenosha | $56,550 |
| Racine | $56,550 |
| Appleton | $55,232 |
| Waukesha | $56,756 |
| Eau Claire | $53,670 |
| Oshkosh | $54,875 |
| Janesville | $56,174 |
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.
Additional Information
Wisconsin offers reciprocity agreements on a case-by-case basis.
So, if you are lucky, you could get a license without having to take an exam.
This mostly happens with states that have similar licensing laws to that of Wisconsin.
If you plan on working on dwellings or structures you will need the Dwelling Contractor certification.
Plumbing is a rewarding career for someone talented, so all you need to do is complete a training program.
Schools Offering Plumbing Programs in Wisconsin
| School Name | Address |
|---|---|
| Madison College | 1701 Wright Street, Madison WI 53704 |
| Nicolet College | 5364 College Drive Rhinelander, WI 54501 |
| Chippewa Valley Technical College | 620 W. Clairemont Ave, Eau Claire, WI 54701 |
| Fox Valley Technical College | 1825 N. Bluemound Drive Appleton, WI 54912-2277 |
| Gateway Technical College | 3520 - 30th Avenue Kenosha, WI 53144 |
| Waukesha County Technical College | 800 Main Street, Pewaukee, WI 53072 |
| Mid-State Technical College | 401 N Main Street Adams, Wisconsin 53910 |
| Northcentral Technical College | 1000 W. Campus Dr., Wausau, WI 54401 |
| Northeast Wisconsin Technical College | 2740 West Mason St Green Bay, WI 54303 |
| Western Technical College | 400 7th Street North La Crosse, WI 54601 |
| Northwood Technical College | 1900 College Drive Rice Lake, WI 54868 |
| Wisconsin Contractors Institute | N16 W23217 Stone Ridge Drive Suite 290 Waukesha, WI 53188 |
| Moraine Park Technical College | 235 N. National Ave. Fond du Lac, WI |
Read the full guide: How to Become a Plumber
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Plumbing License by State