Plumbing Schools in Wisconsin

The state of Wisconsin is a favorable destination for starting a trade career thanks to favorable regulations, the presence of top-quality trade schools, and a high level of demand for these professionals. Aspiring plumbers in the state will also be glad to know that all these benefits apply to them.

A strong preparation helps make the process even easier, so we have provided the comprehensive resource below. This article highlights everything an aspiring Wisconsin plumber must know to start their career the right way.

It includes sections dealing with certification requirements, educational requirements, possible licensure requirements, and top training schools in the state. Candidates will also be able to identify what salary range to expect when they begin their plumbing career in Wisconsin.

How to Become a Plumber in Wisconsin

The following are the steps required to become a plumber in Wisconsin.

Prerequisites

Plumbers in Wisconsin are expected to be at least 18 years old and have a high school diploma or GED. 16-year-olds in the state may work as restricted apprentices.

A solid understanding of basic mathematics, technical drawing, and physics may also be crucial.

Academic Training Programs

Candidates looking to become plumbers in Wisconsin may choose to obtain their training from vocational schools and colleges across the state.

Among other things, students who choose this option enjoy learning under experienced instructors adept at theoretical principles and practical applications.

Choosing an accredited institution with high-quality programs and a reputation for producing successful graduates is also important.

We take a look at some of these programs in an upcoming section.

Apprenticeships

On-the-job experience is crucial to become a plumber in Wisconsin. Even those who graduated from an academic program must complete an apprenticeship program recognized by the Wisconsin Bureau of Apprenticeship Standards or the Department of Labor.

To meet these requirements, apprenticeship programs for plumbers in the state must have at least 572 hours of classroom training and 7,428 hours of “on-the-job” training.

Topics of focus must include plumbing repair, isometric interpretation and drawing, blueprint reading, safety/OSHA, and first aid, among others.

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Licensure & Certification Requirements

Licensing is mandatory for plumbers in Wisconsin, and candidates must obtain it as soon as they start their careers. The Trades Credentialing Division of the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services is responsible for setting licensure requirements for plumbers in the state.

The Department requires that candidates obtain on-the-job training experience in their field before becoming journeyman plumbers in Wisconsin.

After 1000 hours of work experience as a journeyman plumber, candidates may apply for a master plumber license. Those who want to start their own companies must hold a master’s license and obtain a Dwelling Contractor certification.

To obtain a Dwelling Contractor certification, aspiring business owners must have worker’s compensation insurance, proof of financial responsibility, and unemployment compensation insurance.

Top Plumbing Schools in Wisconsin

The following are some top schools offering high-level plumbing training programs in Wisconsin.

Explore Plumbing Schools in Wisconsin by City:

• Plumbing Schools in Milwaukee

Salary & Career Outlook

A comprehensive survey of welders in Wisconsin revealed that the annual average salary for a regular welder in the state is $82,434. By regular, we mean those who are in the midpoint of earners.

Those who are among the top 10% can scale their earnings up to a figure as high as $123,711, while those who are among the bottom 10% by earning can look forward to an annual average salary of around $54,930. Factors influencing the salary range for a plumber in Wisconsin include experience, location, professional credentials, establishment of employment, and specialization, among others.

Sorting only by location, we find that De Pere and Waukesha have the highest salaries for plumbers in Wisconsin, with annual average salaries of $110,374 and $104,578, respectively. They are followed by Madison, with an annual average salary of $94,555; Greenville, with an annual average salary of $86,331; and Milwaukee, with an annual average salary of $82,287.