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How to become a licensed plumber in Wisconsin. State-level licensing required. 10,000 apprenticeship hours required. Total initial fees: $245. Verified 2026-03-21. Data verified 2026-03-21. Source: LicenseMap (getlicensemap.com).
Plumber
Governing Authority
Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Plumbing
Official website →Yes
State Licensed?
10,000
Apprentice Hours
3
License Levels
$245
Total Fees
16 hrs
CE Hours
State Plumbing Code (SPC)
Code Version
Regulation Status
VerifiedState Licensed
Yes
Regulation Level
state
License Types Available
State-Level Licensing Required
Regulated by the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Plumbing
Apprenticeship Program
10,000
Total Hours
5 yrs
Duration
800
Classroom Hours
9,200
OJT Hours
Registered Apprenticeship Program Required
Experience Required
Registration required; no prior experience
No exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
5 years / 10,000 hours of apprenticeship
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Experience Required
1-2 years as licensed journeyman plumber
Exam required
Additional Requirements
Exam Information
VerifiedJourneyman Exam
RequiredMaster Exam
RequiredExam Provider
PSI
Plumbing Code Version
State Plumbing Code (SPC)
Open Book Exam
Passing Score
70%
Minimum Age
Education
Background Check
Insurance Required
Bonding Required
| Fee | Amount |
|---|---|
Apprentice Registration Apprentice registration fee | $35 |
Journeyman License Journeyman plumber license fee | $85 |
Master License Master plumber license fee | $125 |
Exam Fee Plumbing exam fee | $125 |
Renewal Fee Annual or biennial renewal fee | $60 |
Total Initial Fees Estimated total for apprentice registration + journeyman license + exam | $245 |
Renewal & CE Requirements
Verified2 years
Renewal Period
16
CE Hours Required
$60
Renewal Fee
Continuing Education Required
Regulatory Board
Renewal fee per 2 years
Out-of-State Reciprocity
VerifiedAccepts Out-of-State Licenses
Transfer Type
Endorsement
Additional Requirements for Transfer
Most states require plumbers to pass the local exam or apply for endorsement when transferring an out-of-state license. Requirements vary by state.
Wisconsin stands out with 10,000 hours of required apprenticeship and 16 hours of CE per renewal cycle — both among the highest in the nation.
Wisconsin requires 10,000 hours of apprenticeship — tied for the highest requirement
Department of Safety and Professional Services oversees plumbing licensing
Wisconsin requires 16 hours of CE per renewal — among the highest in the nation
Explore requirements for other professional licenses in Wisconsin.
How this state compares to 50 others for this profession
Timeline
#46 of 51
Salary
#9 of 51
Cost
#27 of 51
Processing
#1 of 51
Based on May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics OEWS data for Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (SOC 47-2152)
Entry Level
$60,990
25th percentile
Median
$78,510
+25% vs. national avg ($62,970)Experienced
$100,710
75th percentile
Wage Distribution (Annual)
9,120 employed in this state
Note: BLS category "Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters" includes pipefitters and steamfitters in addition to plumbers. Wages for plumbers specifically may differ.
Source: BLS OEWS – Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters (May 2024)
National employment projections for 2024-2034
Projected Growth
+5.4%
Average GrowthNew Jobs
+27,500
over 10 years
Annual Openings
39,200
per year (avg.)
510,500 currently employed nationwide (2024)
Source: BLS Employment Projections 2024-2034 (September 2025)
Plumbing Career Ladder+4% salary growth potential
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Plumber (Journeyman)
$78,510
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
You are here
Plumber (Journeyman)
Apprenticeship (4-5 years) + journeyman exam
$78,510
Master plumber license + contractor license
$81,460
Salary data from BLS OEWS May 2024 for this state. Career paths represent common advancement routes — actual progression may vary. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Occupational Outlook Handbook
Government fees and exam costs to obtain your initial license
Note: These are government licensing fees only. Education/training program costs (tuition, books, etc.) are not included as they vary widely by institution.
Estimated total: 264–274 weeks
Timeline estimated from licensing requirements on this page.
Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Plumbing
2–8 weeks
Estimated processing time
Source: Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Plumbing
Study guides and code practice tests for the plumber licensing exam.
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Accessed 2026-03-06
Accessed 2026-03-06
Wisconsin requires state-level licensing. Complete 10,000 hours of apprenticeship to qualify. All licensing is managed through the Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services - Plumbing.
Requirements vary by state and locality. Always verify current requirements with your state or local licensing authority.