Plumbing contractors in
Milwaukee, Wisconsin.
A public directory of licensed plumbing contractors serving greater Milwaukee. Market data, licensing requirements, and cost benchmarks — updated continuously from public sources.
Common Job Costs
Licensing Requirements
Licensing Requirements
Wisconsin requires plumber license through Department of Safety and Professional Services. Journeyman license requires 4-year apprenticeship plus exam. Master license requires additional 4 years experience plus exam. Renewal every 2 years with 24 hours continuing education.
Permit Requirements
Milwaukee requires permits for water heater replacement, new plumbing installations, sewer connections, and bathroom/kitchen remodels. Permits range $45-200 depending on scope.
Inspection Schedule
Rough-in inspection before covering work, final inspection upon completion. Water heater installations require inspection within 10 days.
Insurance Minimums
Wisconsin requires $300,000 general liability and $50,000 property damage for licensed plumbers. Workers compensation required if employees.
How to Get Licensed
Complete apprenticeship
Complete 4-year plumbing apprenticeship program registered with Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development, including 8,000 hours on-job training and 576 hours classroom instruction.
Apply for examination
Submit application to Wisconsin DSPS with proof of apprenticeship completion, transcripts, and $75 fee. Applications processed within 2-3 weeks.
Pass journeyman exam
Take and pass Wisconsin journeyman plumber examination covering codes, safety, and trade practices. Exam scheduled through PSI Services.
Obtain insurance
Secure required insurance coverage: minimum $300,000 general liability and $50,000 property damage. Provide certificates to licensing board.
Complete renewal requirements
Renew license every 2 years with $54 fee and 24 hours continuing education. Master license available after 4 additional years experience plus exam.
About This Market
Milwaukee's plumber market runs steady year-round with 1922 licensed establishments statewide competing for work. Winter drives emergency calls from frozen pipes while summer brings bathroom remodels and new construction. Median wage hits $39.91 hourly, reflecting strong demand in this blue-collar city. Older housing stock means plenty of repair work, but material costs and permit delays can squeeze margins. You need a Wisconsin plumber license through DSPS - that's a 4-year apprenticeship minimum plus passing their exam. Milwaukee permit office moves slow, so factor that into timelines. Winter emergency work pays premium rates, but you'll need 24/7 availability. Keep continuing education current - they check renewals hard. Insurance minimums are $300K general liability. The work's there if you can handle the licensing hoops and winter service calls.
- Median hourly wageBureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment Statistics
- Licensed establishments countU.S. Census Bureau County Business Patterns
- Licensing requirementsWisconsin Department of Safety and Professional Services
- Insurance requirementsWisconsin Administrative Code Chapter SPS 305
- Permit requirementsMilwaukee Building Inspection Department
Frequently Asked Questions
What does a plumber license cost in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin plumber licensing fees are $75 for initial license and $54 for biennial renewal, according to Wisconsin DSPS. Add exam fees and continuing education costs.
How long does Milwaukee permit approval take?
Milwaukee Building Inspection Department typically processes plumbing permits within 3-5 business days for standard work, longer for complex projects requiring plan review.
What's the average plumber wage in Milwaukee?
Bureau of Labor Statistics reports median hourly wage of $39.91 for plumbers in Wisconsin, equivalent to $83,013 annually for full-time work.
Do I need insurance to work as a plumber in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin requires minimum $300,000 general liability and $50,000 property damage insurance for licensed plumbers, plus workers compensation if you have employees.
How often do plumbers need continuing education in Wisconsin?
Wisconsin DSPS requires 24 hours of continuing education every 2 years for plumber license renewal, with specific requirements for code updates and safety training.
Plumbing contractors in Milwaukee
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