Quick answer: The median plumber in Wisconsin earns $39.04/hr — about $81,210 a year (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2025), and the most experienced earn $120,000+. To hire one, a plumbing business typically bills $85–$115 per hour — roughly 2–3× the worker's wage, to cover overhead and profit.
Here's the full picture: what plumbers earn, what shops bill, what common jobs cost, how pay varies by metro, and how Wisconsin compares to other states.
Plumber income in Wisconsin (2025)
Based on U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data for Wisconsin's ~10,210 plumbers, pipefitters, and steamfitters:
| Experience level | Hourly | Monthly | Annual |
|---|---|---|---|
| Entry-level (10th percentile) | $24.05 | ~$4,169 | ~$50,024 |
| Median (typical) | $39.04 | ~$6,768 | $81,210 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $57.72 | ~$10,005 | ~$120,058 |
Monthly and annual figures assume full-time work (about 2,080 hours a year).
What you earn vs. what you charge
The wages above are what a plumber takes home. What a plumbing business bills the customer is higher — it has to cover the truck, tools, insurance, licensing, fuel, office time, and profit. A shop typically bills 2.2–3× the worker's wage:
| Rate | |
|---|---|
| Median plumber wage (earned) | ~$39/hr |
| Typical shop rate (charged) | $85–$115/hr |
Where Wisconsin ranks
Wisconsin pays plumbers 27% above the national median, ranking 7th of 51 states — among the highest-paying states in the country:
| Benchmark | Median hourly wage |
|---|---|
| Highest — District of Columbia | $48.57 |
| Wisconsin (7th) | $39.04 |
| National median | $30.67 |
| Lowest — Arkansas | $23.39 |
Plumber rates by Wisconsin metro
Pay varies widely within the state. Median plumber wage by metro area (BLS, 2025):
| Metro area | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Appleton | $44.11/hr | $95–$130/hr |
| Green Bay | $43.54/hr | $95–$130/hr |
| Madison | $40.94/hr | $90–$125/hr |
| Milwaukee-Waukesha | $40.72/hr | $90–$120/hr |
| Fond du Lac | $37.17/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| South Central Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | $37.08/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| Western Wisconsin nonmetropolitan area | $37.08/hr | $80–$110/hr |
Appleton is one of the higher-paying metros in the state for plumbers, reflecting local demand and cost of living.
What common plumbing jobs cost in Wisconsin
At Wisconsin billed rates, here's what typical jobs run — labor plus materials, and every job differs:
| Job | Typical Wisconsin range |
|---|---|
| Service call / diagnostic | $95–$165 |
| Drain cleaning / snaking | $175–$450 |
| Faucet or fixture replacement | $175–$375 + fixture |
| Toilet installation | $225–$500 + toilet |
| Garbage disposal install | $225–$500 |
| Leak detection & repair | $175–$675 |
| Sump pump replacement | $450–$1,025 |
| Sewer line camera inspection | $175–$450 |
| Water heater replacement | $1,450–$3,200 installed |
| Whole-home repipe | $4,500–$13,500+ |
Typical ranges to benchmark against — not quotes.
How plumbers compare to other trades in Wisconsin
Here's how plumber pay lines up against Wisconsin's other skilled trades:
| Trade | Median wage | Typical billed rate |
|---|---|---|
| Plumber | $39.04/hr | $85–$115/hr |
| Electrician | $36.80/hr | $80–$110/hr |
| HVAC technician | $29.67/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Carpenter | $29.65/hr | $65–$90/hr |
| Roofer | $28.54/hr | $65–$85/hr |
Setting your own rate
Use these as benchmarks, not rules — your rate has to cover your real overhead and the profit margin you need. See how to price a job to run the math, then build a quote with the free plumber estimate generator, or download BIG INVOICE to invoice from your phone with your rates saved.
Do plumbers need a license in Wisconsin?
Licensing requirements depend on the trade and where you work. See Wisconsin contractor & trade licensing to check whether plumbers need a state license in Wisconsin, which board issues it, and how to apply.
Frequently asked questions
How much do plumbers make in Wisconsin?
The median plumber in Wisconsin earns about $81,210 a year ($39.04/hr) per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2025). Entry-level plumbers earn around $50,000 and the most experienced earn $120,000 or more.
Can a plumber make $100,000 a year in Wisconsin?
Yes — experienced plumbers in Wisconsin can. The top 10% earn about $120,000 a year, above $100,000. Running your own plumbing business and billing $85–$115/hr can push earnings higher still.
How much do plumbers charge per hour in Wisconsin?
In 2025, most Wisconsin plumbers bill $85–$115 per hour. That billed rate covers the worker's wage (a $39/hr median) plus overhead and profit — it is not take-home pay.
Do plumbers earn more in Wisconsin than nationally?
Yes — Wisconsin's median plumber wage is about 27% above the national median of $30.67/hr, ranking 7th of 51 states.
Which Wisconsin city pays plumbers the most?
Appleton, at a $44.11/hr median wage, is among the highest-paying metros in the state for plumbers.
Wage data: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2025. Billed rates and job-cost ranges are illustrative estimates (median wage × 2.2–3.0 overhead-and-profit markup), not quotes. Updated August 2026.