Plumbing contractors in
Green Bay, Wisconsin.
A public directory of licensed plumbing contractors serving greater Green Bay. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Wisconsin requires a Master Plumber license or Journeyman Plumber license. Journeyman requires 4-year apprenticeship plus passing state exam. Master requires additional 2 years experience and separate exam. Licenses renew every 2 years with 8 hours continuing education. Municipality may require additional local licensing.
Permit Requirements
Green Bay requires plumbing permits for new installations, replacements, and repairs over $500. Permits range from $50-200 depending on scope. Water heater replacement requires permit. Emergency repairs may proceed with permit application within 24 hours.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection upon completion. Water heater installations require inspection within 5 business days. Failed inspections require re-inspection fee of $75.
Insurance Minimums
Wisconsin requires minimum $100,000 general liability insurance for plumbing contractors. Many municipalities and commercial clients require $1 million coverage. Workers compensation required if employing others.
How to Get Licensed
Complete apprenticeship
Complete 4-year plumbing apprenticeship program through registered sponsor or trade school. Must document 8000 hours on-the-job training and 576 hours classroom instruction.
Apply for journeyman exam
Submit application to Wisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services with apprenticeship completion certificate, background check, and $75 application fee.
Pass journeyman exam
Pass Wisconsin journeyman plumber examination covering codes, regulations, and trade knowledge. Exam fee is $50. Must achieve 70% or higher score.
Obtain local license
Apply for Green Bay municipal plumbing license if required by local ordinance. Submit state license, insurance proof, and local application with fees.
Upgrade to master (optional)
After 2 years journeyman experience, apply for master plumber exam. Pass separate examination and pay additional fees. Master license allows supervision of other plumbers and business ownership.
Maintain license
Renew Wisconsin license every 2 years with 8 hours continuing education and renewal fee. Maintain required insurance coverage and local licenses as applicable.
About This Market
Green Bay's plumbing market stays busy year-round with 1922 licensed establishments statewide competing for work. Winter freeze-ups and heating emergencies drive premium rates November through March. Residential service calls dominate, with older housing stock requiring frequent repairs. Commercial work centers on paper mills and manufacturing facilities. Labor costs run high - median wage hits $39.91/hour - but skilled plumbers command premium rates for emergency work.
To work this market, you need Wisconsin state licensing plus local Green Bay permits for most jobs. The apprenticeship route takes 4 years minimum before you can test for journeyman status. Local building department moves fast on inspections but failed inspections cost extra. Keep emergency response capability - winter calls pay double but you better be available 24/7. Insurance requirements vary by job size, but carry $1 million liability to bid commercial work.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- Permit requirementsGreen Bay Building Department municipal code
- Insurance minimumsWisconsin state contractor licensing regulations
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does a plumber make per hour in Green Bay, WI?
According to BLS data, median hourly wage for plumbers in Wisconsin is $39.91/hour or $83,013 annually, with experienced contractors in Green Bay often charging $75-150/hour for service calls.
Do I need a license to work as a plumber in Green Bay?
Yes, Wisconsin requires either a Journeyman Plumber license (4-year apprenticeship plus state exam) or Master Plumber license (additional 2 years experience plus separate exam). Green Bay may require additional local licensing per municipal code.
What permits do I need for plumbing work in Green Bay?
Green Bay Building Department requires permits for new installations, replacements, and repairs over $500. Water heater replacement always requires permits. Emergency repairs can proceed with permit application within 24 hours.
When is peak season for plumbers in Green Bay?
November through March drives highest demand due to frozen pipes, heating system failures, and weather-related emergencies. Wisconsin winters create consistent emergency call volume with premium pricing.
How much competition exists among plumbers in Wisconsin?
Census data shows approximately 1922 licensed plumbing establishments statewide, creating moderate competition. However, skilled emergency service providers and master plumbers maintain strong demand in Green Bay market.
Plumbing contractors in Green Bay
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